Monday, March 21, 2011

"Burn Out"

"...when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts 3:19b

I hear so many talk about being "burnt out" in their Christian walk. They get tired and weary to the point where they feel they can't go much further or they want to give up and quit. It doesn't have to be like that. Sure we get tired in our bodies. Yes, we often have numerous responsibilities and demands upon us. But that is no reason to give up. Jesus had more demands on Him than any of us. He was always about His Father's business. Crowds were always flocking around Him hoping to at least touch the hem of His garment- they were always "pulling" on the anointing. Often He did not have time to even eat or sleep. Even when He and the disciples tried to leave the crowds and get some rest, they still followed them.

Did He get tired physically? Yes, He was a man. Did He "burn out"? No, He knew what to do to prevent it. And He left us an example to help us in those times when we feel as if we are under too much pressure to be able to go on. The answer is found in the verse above- it's called "times of refreshing". Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Too often we look for that place of refreshing in other areas- relaxation, entertainment, change of scenery, etc.- and neglect the true source where refreshing comes.

If we are always doing the "work" of the Lord but aren't spending time in His presence, we will get "burned out". When I talk about being in His presence, I am not talking about a ten minute prayer. I am talking about going into your "closet", shutting the door behind you and being still until His presence "rains down" on you and "floods your soul". How long has it been since that has happened? It should be a daily occurrence. Jesus knew that. This is why we "often" saw Him depart into a place to get alone with His Father. We can't think that we can make it if we don't do the same.

In His presence is peace, joy, refreshing, regained strength, revelation, clarity of mind, healing of your body, the cares seem to melt away, mountains are removed, impossibilities are viewed as possible and hope is restored. Today, you need to find a place to get alone with Him and let the rain of His Spirit satiate the dryness and bring life back into the burned out places in you.

Have a great day. The solution for "burn out" is the presence of the Lord.

For further reading:
Luke 6:12
Mark 6:30-32
Psalm 16:11

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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