It’s the new year! We’re supposed to be energized, refreshed, and spiritually renewed…right? At least that’s what we are told. And most times this is the case-a new year feels like a breath of fresh air, and we are excited for all God is going to do in a new season.
But maybe this year, the Christmas productions really wiped you out. Maybe your days off were hard and stressful instead of relaxing. Maybe you feel like you haven’t recovered from the fast-paced December ministry. You’re trying to put on a brave face and act like you’re ready to hit the ground running, but really you feel exhausted and burnt out.
Let this be an encouragement to you-it’s okay to feel that way. You aren’t a failure because you’re tired. For most in ministry, December is the busiest time of year with the most extra hours put in. It’s ok if you’re still recovering from that and it’s not something to be embarrassed about.
You aren't a failure because you're tired.
So maybe it’s time you took the pressure off of yourself just a little. At the end of the day, January 1st is just a day. It’s not a magic token. If you were burnt out and exhausted on December 31st, you probably will be on January 2nd. And that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It just means you need to press into the Lord just like you would any other time when you feel burnt out. Maybe He is telling you that you need to rest in Him this month. Maybe you just need to focus on seeking His presence through the basics-reading Scripture, praying, worship. Maybe your new habits and goals can start in April or May this year.
Let the Lord refuel you as you rest in Him. The following verses are great ones to sit with if you’re feeling burnt out and exhausted.
“Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.”
Isaiah 40:31
“Stop striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.”
Psalm 57:1
“Create in me a clean heart, God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach wrongdoers Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.”
Psalm 51:10-13
“Why are you in despair, my soul?
And why are you restless within me?
Wait for God, for I will again praise Him
For the help of His presence, my God.”
Psalm 42:5
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