The word burnout is a verb I believe should be non-existent in our vocabulary as Christians. However, we find ourselves using it repeatedly, sadly. However, I strongly believe there are a few Christians who have taken up Christ’s yoke, learned from Him, and found their way out of burnout. I think some men and women do not and cannot relate to what it means to be burnt out. Only if we truly learn from the Lord and follow the guidelines He’s laid down for us in Scripture will we be able to function optimally as Christians.I hope that you learn to keep the word burnout away from your mouth and vocabulary forever, in Jesus’ name — myself included
Many times, through the accounts of Jesus Christ by the apostles, we see them highlight moments when Jesus slipped away from the crowd to be by Himself — to pray or simply rest. These moments give us insight into a way we, too, can live wholesome lives, just as He did — by making time in our busy schedules to rest and to connect with God. Sadly, many of us miss the wisdom that’s right there in Scripture, which is why Jesus spells it out so clearly in Mark 6:31. His disciples came back to Him after what I imagine was a long day filled with doing good works. As they arrived at His feet, they began to pour out their hearts, sharing all the wonderful things they had done. Mark 6:30 says, “Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.” I can picture them excited — or just elated — as they recounted their day to their friend, Jesus. All I can imagine now is Him locking His gaze on them, maybe with a long stare or even a gentle smile, as He responded, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).ark 6:31.
You know, He could see right through them — He could see just how worn out they must have been after walking and serving all day. And even though Jesus was probably extremely proud of them and happy that they were doing the good works He wanted them to, there was a greater need for His disciples to be able to keep going and serve even after He was gone. So He looked them straight in the face and called to :
Be by themselves:
Although they had come together in a group to share their day’s activities with the Lord, they needed to retreat to a place of solitude individually, by themselves. This was and is still an essential component of fully resting the body, soul, and spirit. Make time, no matter how little, to be by yourself, reflect, shift all focus from work to the heavens where your help and your strength come from
To a Deserted Place:
They had just returned from so much noise and so many people, therefore a deserted place spoke and still speaks about a place of solitude accessible to you, where you could be alone to rest as advised and recommended by our Lord Jesus Christ. This deserted place could be your room with you locked up by yourself, or it could be a getaway from everyone and everything around you
And rest for a while:
I am almost sure that the rest Jesus speaks about here encapsultes rest for the body, soul and spirit. More so, a while speaks of ample time, not just a breeze in and breeze out type of rest but a good time kind of rest that brings your whole body refreshment, revival and rejuvenation inside out.
As I wrap up this post, I would like to highlight something I pointed out in the video below. God created rest for the seventh day(Sabbath), then Jesus Christ came and gave us the power to be Lord over the Sabbath – Mark 2:27-28. This means that ideally, we should have at least a day out of the week dedicated to rest just as God rested from creation after working six days. I strongly believe that when this is a practice for us as Christians, the word burnout will fade from our vocabulary.