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Most of us experience a level of fatigue even when what we are doing is good and rewarding. This fatigue is normal because we get tired at times, but it creeps in very quickly when our good works are met with various discouraging factors, such as opposition, lack of support and apparent lack of progress. Friend, don’t be discouraged in doing good!
Galatians 6:9 tells us, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Your labour of love for the Lord will always bear its fruit, and is never in vain! 1 Corinthians 15:58 tells us, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
Are you facing weariness and fatigue in doing good in service of the Lord? Here are some things you can do to save yourself from burnout.
1. Rest in God
The Lord Jesus once told His disciples, “You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me.” (Mark 14:7)
Although in context Jesus was telling them that they shouldn’t stop the woman with the alabaster jar from offering a very precious perfume to Him as worship because He was going to the grave and then to the right hand of the Father, the point here is that there will always be someone who will need our help – and if we take a short break to rest, we will not run out of opportunities to do good!
Take a break. Recognise that as a normal human without the glorified body yet, we are in need or rest and recovery when we feel tired from the day’s work and pressures. Take a rest.
2. Refresh yourself in God
The best place to recover strength and vigour to serve again? It’s in the loving arms of God. Spend good quality time with the Father early when you wake up, before you get up and do something good for others. Remember that you can only give what you have, and the only thing that we actually have is our God. Song of Solomon 6:3 says, “I am my lover’s, and my lover is mine.” Enjoy God and be captivated by Him. Jesus did this daily, and look at what He has done: the ultimate good for us who believe.
3. Remember God’s goodness
When you feel like your efforts are not bearing fruit, remember these: a) that God did not stop loving you, and will not stop loving you in Christ (Romans 8:37-38), and b) your efforts are not worthless and in vain in Him. Remember God’s mercies which are renewed every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)—claim them to get the strength needed to do good today and tomorrow, every day.
