From Burnout to Blessings

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30

As I sat on my couch, staring blankly at the TV screen, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. Between my work-life and my home-life, every day felt particularly demanding, and I felt like I had no more energy left to give to anything or anybody.

In that moment, the words of Matthew 11:28-30 floated into my mind. “Come to me,” Jesus had said. “Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.”

Without really thinking about it, I turned off the TV, closed my eyes and whispered a prayer. “Jesus, I need some rest. I need to physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually recover. Please help me find a way to do that.”

I sat there in silence for a few moments, breathing slowly – inhaling slowly and exhaling slowly– and reflecting on His words, “I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”

A few more minutes went by and I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was as though Jesus himself had wrapped his arms around me, holding me close and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. “Keep company with me and learn how to live more freely and lightly,” I heard him say.

I took one more deep breath, slowly exhaled, and opened my eyes.  I felt a newfound sense of hope. Maybe there was a way to find rest, even in the midst of the chaos of everyday life.

Over the next few weeks, I made a conscious effort to spend more time in silence and quietly reflecting on Matthew 11:28-30.  As I did, I found myself slowly but surely feeling more relaxed, less anxious.

It wasn’t an instant transformation, and there were still moments of exhaustion and stress. But by adding daily moments of silence, reflecting on Scripture, and prayer, I felt better equipped to handle whatever came my way. And best of all, I felt free to live my life more freely and lightly, unburdened by the weight of all that I had been carrying before.

Jesus had been right all along. The key to finding rest and recovery was to “get away” and spend some quiet moments in His presence, allowing His grace to transform me from the inside out.

Finding Silence & Solitude with Jesus: A Daily Tip

In today’s bustling world, setting aside moments for silence and solitude with Jesus can seem challenging, but it’s both achievable and rewarding. Here’s a simple way to start:

1. Designate a Quiet Spot: Choose a place in your home or outdoors where you’re least likely to be disturbed. It could be a cozy corner, a comfortable chair, or even a quiet park bench. This place will serve as your sanctuary—a spot you associate with peace and presence.
2. Set a Regular Time: Consistency is key. Whether it’s the first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before you sleep, setting a specific time helps establish a routine. Just 5 to 10 minutes to start with can make a significant difference.
3. Limit Distractions: Turn off your phone, or at least put it on ‘Do Not Disturb.’ Keep away anything that might pull your focus away from this quiet time.
4. Begin with a Simple Prayer: As you settle into your spot, start with a brief prayer. Something as simple as, “Lord Jesus, I’m here to spend time with You. Speak to me in the stillness.”
5. Embrace the Silence: It’s natural for our minds to wander. When it happens, gently redirect your focus back to Jesus. Visualize Him sitting with you, listening to you. You don’t always need to “do” or “say” anything—just being in His presence is enough.
6. End with Gratitude: As you conclude your time, thank Jesus for the moment of connection. Express gratitude for His unwavering presence in your life.

Remember, silence and solitude are less about ‘perfect execution’ and more about the intention behind seeking closeness with Jesus. Even if some days feel more distracted than others, the consistent act of setting aside time brings you closer to His heart and reinforces the bond you share.

Mike

Picture: Image by Thomas Ulrich from Pixabay