When You’re Feeling Burned Out

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Some days my head hits the pillow hard. I lay there thinking “I can’t do this another day.” I’m not only physically tired, but emotionally and mentally as well. Between refereeing conflicts between siblings, homeschool, church responsibilities and the chores, I am spent. Yet, exhausted as I am, my mind runs long into the night. I think about the projects I promised the church I would complete. I remind myself of countless things I need to do for homeschool the next day. I think about people I need to call but haven’t.

Life is hard and it’s tiring. As moms, we are known to give and give and give some more. We juggle many hats and many responsibilities. Children use up all our patience and energy. Our minds are usually full of to-do lists, burdens and worries, if-onlys, and I-need-to’s.

Even a juggler can’t juggle forever. Eventually we wear out and get burned out.

It is such a comfort to know that God never grows weary. He never needs rest. He’s never burdened. And there’s no problem too big for Him.

I also take great comfort in knowing that He is faithful and His love is everlasting. He promised Israel in Isaiah 40 that He would give strength to the weary. He knew how much we labor under sin. He knew we needed rescue from our burdens. He sent His Son who carried the greatest burden for us so we wouldn’t have to.

This same Son knows what it is to be tired, to experience sorrow, and what trials and challenges come with this life. He took on skin like ours and shared in our sufferings. What great hope this brings!

This passage reminds us that our hope indeed is in the Lord. When we hope in Him and believe His promises, our strength is renewed.

Feeling burned out? Know that your Savior carried that same burden to the cross. Know that He wants to strengthen you even today through the power of the gospel of grace. He has taken our burdens and given us wings to soar. He did so that day on the cross over 2,000 years ago and He continues to do so this very day as well.

May this be your confidence and hope.

For further reading: Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 23, Exodus 15:2, 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30

Copyright © 2012 Christina Fox, All Rights Reserved