August 31: Strength for the Weary

Scripture: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” – Isaiah 40:29

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 

Today, I want to take a moment to talk about something we do not often hear addressed directly in our congregations: burnout.

We hear words like stress, tiredness, and even depression, but rarely do we call it what it often is: burnout. The truth is that being burned out can become the root cause of many mental, emotional, and even physical health issues.

Some of us are full of energy and we want everything done, and done well. We pride ourselves on multitasking, on being the first to arrive and the last to leave. We check all the boxes, never absent, never late, always going above and beyond. While that is commendable, the question remains: have we really gotten it right?

The danger of burnout is that sometimes we do not even recognize it. We just keep going, pushing, striving, without pausing to notice the warning signs. I once read that we spend our health chasing wealth, and then we spend our wealth chasing health. How true is that for many of us?

I will be honest with you. Sometimes I eat my lunch while I work. Sometimes I forget breakfast altogether, even though I packed it. Maybe you have been there too, working so hard that you forget to care for yourself. But here is the truth: our families need us. They cannot replace us. No one else can be you.

I started working at age 18, and for the past 29 years I have poured sweat, blood, and tears into education. I have learned that while working hard is good, at some point we have to pause. If we do not, our bodies will eventually force us to.

The Bible reminds us in 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” God cares not only about our souls, but also about our bodies and our minds.

Isaiah 40:29 gives us this hope: when we are weary, God will give us strength. When we feel like we cannot go on, He will lift us up. If we lack might, He will increase it. But we also have a responsibility: to pause without apology. Whether at home, at church, or at work, we must take care of ourselves.

Here is a reminder: never place the temporal work above the work of God. Too often we show up faithfully for our jobs, but neglect the work of the Lord. Balance is key. Reflection is necessary. Rest is holy.

So today, I encourage you: recognize the signs of burnout, take daily breaks, and remember that God renews strength for the weary.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your Word that reminds us that when we are weary, You give us strength. Forgive us for the times we have pushed ourselves without wisdom. Teach us to rest in You, to care for the bodies and minds You have given us, and to walk in balance. Renew our strength today, Lord, and help us to rise up with fresh hope, ready to serve You and care for our families. In Jesus’ name, Amen.