One of the major reasons of burnout is busyness. We put too much pressure on ourselves. We believe that we have to get everything done today, and that it has to be done our way. When we put that kind of pressure on ourselves and we can't get it things done then we stress out. Too much stress and then we burn out.
Busyness is today’s badge of success. We even carry this over to ministry, thinking the busier we are for God, the more He must be blessing our church, our business, or our ministry. But God would rather have us be with Him than do a bunch of things for Him.
Rest doesn’t come naturally to us. In order for us to truly rest we have to trust that God will take care of things for us. That includes all the ministry things that we do. We often use the fact that we are, in our words, “doing the work of the Kingdom” or we say “Satan never takes a day off so why should I?”
Yes, we are to work hard when we work
Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT2)23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
The Bible calls those who will not work lazy, Proverbs is full of sayings about being lazy and the circumstances from it.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Proverbs 10:4-5 NIV
Proverbs 19:15 (NLT2) Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry.
But the Bible also calls those who will not rest disobedient.
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 (NLT2)12 “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.13 You have six days each week for your ordinary work,14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your oxen and donkeys and other livestock, and any foreigners living among you. All your male and female servants must rest as you do.15 Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the LORD your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. That is why the LORD your God has commanded you to rest on the Sabbath day.
We’re a culture that glorifies busy. It’s a mantle we wear with pride. When someone asks us how we’re doing, we respond with a “I’m good, but crazy busy.”
We seem to derive our value from asserting that we’re just so much busier than the next person. Our over packed, overwhelmed schedules actually give us a sense of pride, even a sense of identity.
When the fast food chain Chick Fil A decided that it would stay closed on Sundays, everyone was shocked. Sunday was the day that fast food restaurants made the most money. Today, the company generates more revenue per restaurant than any other fast-food chain in the US, and it's only open six days a week.
God honors us when we honor Him with our time.
If you and I are too busy for prayer, then we are simply too busy. If we are too busy to read the Bible, then we are simply too busy.
Maybe you and I should reorder our priorities so we make time for the things that are important and not merely what’s urgent.
Lean In
Gracious God, I marvel at the fact that You’re never too busy for me. Scripture says that Your ear is inclined toward me. Help me realize that being too busy to spend time with You actually depletes me and drains me of life and energy. Help me, Father, to always prioritize time with you. Amen
- From “Finding Rest In A Busy World” Reading Plan by Susan Narjala