Serving in ministry, church or in the work-place can be exhausting. Especially when the work-load is large and the recognition is small, and when we are putting our all in; wanting to do our best. It's not uncommon to begin to feel overwhelmed or sapped of the energy we once had. That can feel scary, as if we are failing God and our ministry. But the Bible tells us that it's OK that we get tired; it says "His power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12.9). God is not disappointed by our exhaustion, but he also doesn't want to leave us in that place.
Here are 10 Bible verses to help those who feel on the brink, in the midst, or like they are coming out of a period of burn out:
1. "Come to me, all you 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 easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
2. "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:28-31).
3. "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I"(Psalm 61:2).
4. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me" (John 14:1).
5. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
6. "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song" (Psalm 28:7).
7. "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
8. "Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance. You are serving the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24).
9. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (Psalm 37:5).
10. "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14).
