HOW TO AVOID BURNOUT!

SPIRITUAL PASSAGE: "2 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire  from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside  and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” - Exodus 3:2-3.

God's People, Remember the story of the burning bush? It burned, but it didn’t burn out. Some people who once burned for God have burned out. Nowadays loyal workers in the church for years, you just see them vanish suddenly, why?. Herbert J. Freudenberger, a psychologist, describes burnout as ‘fatigue brought about by devotion to a cause that failed to produce the expected reward’. So how can you avoid burnout? First, seek God’s input. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…’ (James 1:5). God is an expert; consult Him. Secondly, realign your priorities. Too many irons in the fire mean none of them gets adequate attention. Learn to say no. Your family will appreciate it, even if others don’t. Thirdly, practise the art of thanksgiving.

Brethren, Psychologist Freudenberger says, ‘Get into the habit of noticing -and nurturing -the unspectacular good things that happen to you.’ Next, learn the art of physical relaxation. Take ten or twenty minutes at the end of the day to sit in a comfortable chair and enjoy a good stretch. Coax your body and mind to relax. Imagine yourself basking on a warm beach.

How about exercising? It’s one of the best antibiotics for burnout, that is why I don't joke with playing football every Saturday morning. But pick what works for you, not what stresses you. You could develop your own relief devices; take a walk; read a good book; try a little creative loafing. As James Thurber quipped, ‘It’s better to have loafed and lost, than never to have loafed at all.’ Finally, find someone to share with. Shutting yourself off increases the problem rather than solving it. Find someone you trust to talk with. So, take it easy on yourself; life is so precious!

SOULMEAL: Leviticus 24:17-22, Deuteronomy 15:7-11, Matthew 5:38-48.

Pray: 1. Lord I thank God for the grace to know the Truth. 2. Lord I ask for the grace to know your plans for my life and live my life to please you in Jesus name. Amen.

CONFESSION: Lord Jesus, I receive grace to always hearken to your voice, devil I resist you and your voice from now on, I receive power to be spiritually sensitive to the things of God, Lord because you are the Lord that knoweth all things; Lord with the help of the Holy Spirit I am connected to divine hand of God for the miraculous in Jesus mighty name. Amen

✍©OLUTUSIN J.O.Y

Shalom!!!