How do I know if I am experiencing burnout?

2 Samuel 21:15When David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted.

You may be experiencing burnout if you become physically exhausted as you fulfill your duties. David was worn out, and his exhaustion left him defenseless against his powerful enemy. But David’s men came to his rescue and insisted that their leader was no longer to be in the heat of the battle. Trust the support and help of others who offer to alleviate burnout.

Psalm 38:8I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.

You may be experiencing emotional burnout if your heart can feel nothing but sadness. Perhaps a guilty conscience has been weighing on you for too long, or a longstanding broken relationship shows no signs of reconciliation. Anything that looks and feels like burnout is a good reason to turn to God for relief.

1 Kings 19:14“I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

You may be experiencing burnout if you feel despair. Although Elijah had been used in a mighty way to defeat the prophets of Baal, he had provoked the anger of the queen, who swore to kill him. Feeling alone, exhausted, and fearful, he told God how he felt. God gently rebuked him but also comforted and restored him. Burnout is sometimes a new beginning.

Ecclesiastes 2:22What do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety?

You may be experiencing burnout if life’s activities start to seem meaningless. Solomon responded to this feeling by realizing that God, and not our work, gives life its ultimate meaning.

Psalm 69:1-2Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me.

You may be experiencing burnout if your life feels overwhelming. The psalmist likened his sufferings to drowning: a vivid picture of the way life can sometimes feel unlivable. Those are times when the words “Save me, O God!” may be all we can pray.

Jeremiah 45:3You have said, “I am overwhelmed with trouble! Haven’t I had enough pain already? And now the Lord has added more! I am worn out from sighing and can find no rest.”

You may be experiencing burnout if you feel bitter toward God, blaming him as the source of your struggles. After God gave Jeremiah insight into the thoughts of his servant Baruch, Jeremiah warned Baruch that his life wouldn’t get easier but comforted him with the promise of God’s personal protection.