If you've ever experienced burnout, you know it's not pleasant.
The mix of exhaustion, cynicism and apathy -- along with a strong sense of futility -- can put you in a pretty deep, dark hole.
People assume burnout comes from working too hard... and sure, working relentlessly can put you at risk.
But I discovered from my own experience with burnout it's not so much the work that fries you, but working in your own strength.
God designed our work to be an out flow of His work in us...
... and this applies to everything from preparing for Christmas to fulfilling one's vocation.
"For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Phil.2:13).
So beware...
If you're disconnected with Him in your efforts, you're depending on your own resources. And you're going to run out of steam.
But if you stay in tune with Him... by abiding in Him and relying on His grace... you can work for long stretches and seasons, bear a lot of fruit and not wear out.
So if you're feeling burned out, don't assume your world is crashing down.
But take time to reconnect with the One who never faints or grows weary, and is the source of all you do.
Make this your top priority.
And may He, by His grace, comfort and strengthen your heart in every good work and word (2 Thess. 2:16-17).