When life is heavy
What does the Bible say about burnout?
Elijah's exhaustion was met with sleep, food and a gentle voice. Scripture's answer to burnout begins with rest, not more effort.
What Scripture says
1 Kings 19:5-8
“He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat!” He looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on the coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The LORD’s angel came again the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” He arose, and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, God’s Mountain.”
Matthew 11:28-30
““Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily 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.””
Psalm 23:2-3
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
“He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for the LORD will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.”
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.