No one is immune to burnout. Whether secular work or spiritual service, exhaustion and discouragement sometimes leave us defeated. For this reason, the story of a burned-out prophet of God offers perspective and refreshing.
Elijah was the mightiest of prophets. Among his greatest feats was a showdown with four hundred and fifty false prophets, in which Elijah called down the fire of God as convincing evidence of Yahweh's reality (1 Kings 18). Ah, but so often defeat waits in the wings of success. As 1 Kings 19 opens, a threat from the queen sends the prophet of God running; this man who had bravely confronted an army of false prophets shortly before (1 Kings 19.1-2). What follows is a classic case of burnout and depression. He leaves his servant behind (verse 3), and travels alone for a day. Exhausted, he sits down under a tree, and is there confronted by God Himself. His depression is clearly evident in his words: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19.4).
Harboring suicidal thoughts amidst physical and emotional exhaustion, God tenderly restores this mighty man of God. He supernaturally provides him with food and drink (verses 5-7) while Elijah catches up on some much-needed rest. Once rested and fed, this man of God begins a forty-day trek that brings him into the restoring presence of his Father and Creator. His sense of isolation and discouragement (verse 10) are met with the a meaningful assignment (verses 15-17), and the revelation that a significant number of godly people are partnered with him in following and serving the Father.
The lessons from this ancient story are practical and relevant. Significant accomplishments and achievements often pave the way for burnout. Hunger and lack of sleep - deprivation of physical needs - distort perspective. As someone has said, sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap!
Amidst discouragement and depleted energy, the priority is the same as Elijah's. Begin an intense quest for your Father. Devote concentrated time to His word, and to prayer. Search for the meaningful assignment He has for you. Reconnect with His people who diligently live and serve. Partner with an "Elisha" (vss.19-21).
No one is immune to burnout. If this is the season of your life, seek rest, refreshing, and reconnection. Your Father stands ready to restore those who are His.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Elijah was the mightiest of prophets. Among his greatest feats was a showdown with four hundred and fifty false prophets, in which Elijah called down the fire of God as convincing evidence of Yahweh's reality (1 Kings 18). Ah, but so often defeat waits in the wings of success. As 1 Kings 19 opens, a threat from the queen sends the prophet of God running; this man who had bravely confronted an army of false prophets shortly before (1 Kings 19.1-2). What follows is a classic case of burnout and depression. He leaves his servant behind (verse 3), and travels alone for a day. Exhausted, he sits down under a tree, and is there confronted by God Himself. His depression is clearly evident in his words: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers." (1 Kings 19.4).
Harboring suicidal thoughts amidst physical and emotional exhaustion, God tenderly restores this mighty man of God. He supernaturally provides him with food and drink (verses 5-7) while Elijah catches up on some much-needed rest. Once rested and fed, this man of God begins a forty-day trek that brings him into the restoring presence of his Father and Creator. His sense of isolation and discouragement (verse 10) are met with the a meaningful assignment (verses 15-17), and the revelation that a significant number of godly people are partnered with him in following and serving the Father.
The lessons from this ancient story are practical and relevant. Significant accomplishments and achievements often pave the way for burnout. Hunger and lack of sleep - deprivation of physical needs - distort perspective. As someone has said, sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap!
Amidst discouragement and depleted energy, the priority is the same as Elijah's. Begin an intense quest for your Father. Devote concentrated time to His word, and to prayer. Search for the meaningful assignment He has for you. Reconnect with His people who diligently live and serve. Partner with an "Elisha" (vss.19-21).
No one is immune to burnout. If this is the season of your life, seek rest, refreshing, and reconnection. Your Father stands ready to restore those who are His.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:28 AM
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