Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
I know the feeling of burnout all too well. When you are burned-out, your mind wanders easily, your energy level drags frequently, and your temper gets harder to control. The simplest tasks seem to take a long time to complete. Burned-out people just run away from all the responsibilities and pressures of life. What are you and I to do when we face burnout?
God tells us to come to Him, and wait and linger in His presence. Sounds easy… but it is not. When burnout comes, we really start to feel the pressure of our to-do list. Our production efficiency continues to falter, so we feel we can't afford the time to wait and linger in God's presence - but that is exactly what we need to do. A woodsman is not wasting time when he stops to sharpen his axe.
What does it mean to "wait on the Lord"? It is not sitting on your hands doing nothing, but rather putting your burdens in His hands and leaving them there. It is seeking the face of God in an unhurried manner. It is resting in the lovingkindness of the Lord and looking to Him for strength and renewal.
On of the best things you can do when you feel burned-out is to take a much-needed break. Go on a vacation, even if only for a couple of days. Turn off the TV and get alone with God. Let Him recharge your batteries and revive your heart. He specializes in giving us times of refreshment when we simply come to Him, curl up in His lap, and stay awhile. *
Lord, I confess that I have not been seeking You like I should. I have gotten so busy that I have failed to take the time just to rest and linger in Your presence. I choose today to wait on Your and leave my problems in Your hands. Renew me, Lord, just as You have promised. Sharpen my axe, refresh my soul, and help me soar. Thank You, Jesus, for being my Friend, my Savior, and the One who renews my strength. Amen.
*Jeff Schreve, Texarkana, TX