Tired of Trying?

Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Luke 5:16

Have you ever given of yourself to the point that you were just tired of trying?  

Have you ever tried but felt as though you were just banging your head against a stone? 

Have you ever felt as though the more you do, the more is expected, and the less your efforts are appreciated, much less noticed?

 

Yeah....me too.  

 

I like to think and contemplate.  In order to contemplate, I need time where I can be quiet and block out distractions.  It's part of my introverted nature and contemplation allows me to recharge and regain perspective.  When it's been a while since I have had such an opportunity to recharge, I begin feeling overwhelmed and burned out, which impacts the way I engage others.

 

But I cannot even begin to imagine how Jesus felt with CROWDS of people following Him around always wanting Him to teach them, heal the sick, perform miracles, and on and one the demands would go.  And just having all those people crowded around so close would make me claustrophobic.  People constantly clamoring for His attention....Church Folk constantly trying to discredit Him...His Disciples constantly questioning Him seeking insights and favors from Him.....   If we read the Scriptures carefully, we see that Jesus gave of Himself (and gave and gave and gave and gave).  

 

How are we to deal with the times when we feel burned out?  

Here are a few practical ways:

       1.  Get away to someplace you feel comfortable and that is quiet.

       2.  Write!  Don't worry about making sense, just get your thoughts, concerns, frustrations, irritations, exhaustions out.  Don't try to "sound holy" because God ALREADY knows what you're thinking and feeling.

       3.  Spend time walking and looking at God's creation of nature. (I like going somewhere where there is running water).

      4.  If you feel sleepy, then sleep.  Putting pressure on your time away is not truly taking time away.

      5.  Leave your gadgets at home!!!

      6.  Most importantly, talk with God about EVERYTHING that is on your mind and heart.

This list is in no way exhaustive, but if you can do this on regularly, you will begin to notice that you are able to handle life with more insight and resilience.