Can I Avoid Burnout When I’m Worn Out? [Episode 58]

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We’re all busy, right?

We’ve got jobs, families, and other responsibilities. Our lives can feel like one big revolving door. You know, just when you get one thing done, here comes another!

So, when I read the second half of Mark 6:31, I thought it could have been my own Facebook status or maybe even yours! Here it is:

“For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31).

To care for others well, we must care for ourselves well. [Click to Tweet]

But it was actually written about Jesus’ disciples. At this time in Mark’s gospel, Jesus and His disciples had been busy, busy, busy!

They were teaching, preaching, healing, and going from place to place. They hardly had time to change their tunics before they were on to the next thing. Their schedules were so full of people coming and going that there wasn’t even a minute for a quick drive-thru.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? We could all easily insert ourselves into Mark 6, couldn’t we?

I love that Jesus knew just what His disciples needed. He knew they were worn out and needed to rest so they didn’t burn out. That is why He was pretty specific in telling them what to do in such a demanding situation. He told them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while…” (Mark 6:31).

When you feel worn out, Jesus gives you a three-step plan to avoid burnout. [Click to Tweet]

Sister, you may be exhausted today too. Well, no matter how worn out you are, the words of Jesus are going to give you some practical encouragement to avoid burnout.

On this episode of the 4:13 Podcast, KC and I unpack Mark 6:31. As we do, you’ll learn Jesus’ three-step plan to avoid burnout. Oh, friend, you’re going to love what you hear today. It will give you rest for your soul!

3 Steps to Avoid Burnout When You’re Worn Out

  1. Get away. Jesus told His disciples, “Come away” (Mark 6:31). In other words, leave where you are—the hustle and bustle—and change your location. There is no way to rest in the fast lane. Jesus knew His tired and hungry disciples wouldn’t be able to rest and recover if they stayed in the thick of the crowd who needed them.

    It’s the same with us. People will always have needs and we will always want to meet those needs. But we can’t do that well if we don’t pay attention to our own needs every now and then. To care for others well, we must care for ourselves well.

    So, that means, you need to leave the crazy for a spell and change your location. Often, just a change of location will bring on a change of attitude and perspective. A renewed perspective can renew your strength.

    Maybe get away with some friends once a week. Or, walk away when your people are being fussy and step outside for even just 10 minutes to clear your head. Getting away will help keep burnout away!

  2. Get alone. Jesus told His worn-out disciples to come away “by yourselves to a secluded place” (Mark 6:31). Now, if you’re an introvert, you have a new favorite Bible verse. Introverts love to get alone in secluded places. I should know, I am one. But, if you’re not an introvert, this verse may make you want to run to the mall and hug random people.

    Jesus’ words here have nothing to do with introvert or extrovert preferences. Instead, they have everything to do with what we all need. We all need to take pockets of time to just be alone with our thoughts and our Lord. We all need to get away from the noise and demands and chatter of our lives so we can just be rather than do, do, do. It may be 10 minutes that you need or two days, but we all need it.

    So, when you’re feeling torn and finding yourself running from thing to thing, take some time to get away by yourself to a secluded place (even if it’s your closet or bathroom). When you retreat, you’ll be revitalized.

  3. Get off your feet. Jesus told His disciples to “rest for a while” (Mark 6:31). Rest. Sleep. Snooze. Research shows that women only get an average of 6 hours and 41 minutes of sleep each night during the work week. But sleep is important. Research shows that it repairs cells and restores the brain. You know this is true because you know how you feel when you don’t get the sleep you need.

    So, when the sun goes down, gear yourself up for being obedient. Yep, look at sleep as your spiritual act of obedience. You’re taking care of the temple God placed you in. It’s just a way to “glorify God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

So, my friend, go ahead and apply the words of Jesus to get away, get alone, and get off your feet today. Even though it sometimes feels hard to rest, you can do this. Remember no matter where you are or what you are dealing with, you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.

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