“I just don’t see an end to this, and it’s hard to keep going when I don’t feel like it’s going to end,” I told my husband one night while worrying about balancing both of our responsibilities in addition to a cross-country move. The next day, I called a dear friend of mine who’s the same age as I am but who is in a completely different season of life. “I feel exhausted… just because I feel like this will never end,” she shared with me. I was surprised— how were we both feeling the same thing about two completely different seasons and experiences? And did I mention that these were both good seasons? We were grateful and excited; we were just scared of the thought of our work never ending. We needed breaks and we needed to know we weren’t all alone in our work. 

That phone call showed me how burnout can sneak up on us at any time, in any season. Burnout is real, but sometimes it’s hard to notice in ministry because we don’t want to seem ungrateful. We love what we do, or at least we want to love what we do! In these moments, it’s important to remember that burnout is not wrong to feel. We weren’t made to be nonstop productive; we were made to approach our Father and receive His strength and His rest (see 2 Cor. 12:9-10). 

We can’t always slap a quick fix on burnout, but by going to the character of our God we find comfort and strength. Take a deep breath with me and remember God’s steadfastness. If we’re burnt out because we feel like our work is never-ending, we can take heart in the never-ending love of our God. The morning after my little burnout breakdown, God placed a devotional about knowing Him right in my lap. As I soaked in the truths of Philippians 3 and 1 John 4, I remembered that I am invited to always abide in God (John 15:4-5). Realizing that God will be here forever helps me to deal with the burdens that just won’t go away, because I know I’m not carrying them by myself or for myself. I’m not supposed to be the strong one; I’m called to abide in the One who is my strength. God carries everything for and with me for His glory and Kingdom (see Matt. 11:28-30). 

God is the One who carries our burdens and fights for us with His never-ending, never-burnt-out “hesed” love. We aren’t made to go nonstop, so we can confidently come to God’s throne and seek His steadfast presence in the midst of whatever might be overwhelming us today. We need a break, and God is offering to take over and let us rest at His feet and learn from Him. Let’s take Him up on His offer!