Burning Out

Laura Digan April 26, 2025 0 0

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Leviticus 19:10 (NRSVA)

10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.

Since entering ministry I have come to see how easy it is to keep working until we burn out. We are working for Jesus so we feel we have to give everything, working until there is nothing left to give. And it isn’t just ordained ministers, so many brothers and sisters in Christ are juggling work, family and the responsibilities of leading or volunteering within church ministries. Keeping all the balls in the air until they finally burn out and it all comes crashing to the ground. Maybe becoming ill and/or disillusioned in the process. 

But our Lord doesn’t ask us to keep going until we shrivel up. We are not machines squeezed of every bit of resource and efficiency. We are part of the true vine. There are a number of things a vine needs to stay healthy. 

The vine needs to be planted in the right soil. For Christians that means making time to be nourished by God’s Word regularly. 

The vine needs to have a support structure. That means taking our strength from Jesus in prayer AND asking for help from our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

The dead, damaged and dried up stems of the vine need to be removed. For Christians that means taking time to reflect and pray on what is working and what can be stopped or changed. 

The vine’s growth needs to be directed and limited. So that means creating space for light to get through, for time to be taken to rest, to have fun. Time to be pruned. And in that time of resting and pruning to be rejuvenated physically and spiritually. 

My question to you Friends, are you making time to rest in the Lord, so you can grow strong, bearing good fruit for his glory?

Prayer:

Father God, 

Help me to set healthy boundaries

Show me how to rest in you

Keep my focus on you

Fill me with your peace and your joy

Renew me, mind, body and spirit

Amen