Warning Signs
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
People came to Jesus for a lot of different reasons during his earthly ministry. Some for forgiveness, some for answers to questions, some for healing, some because they were hungry, and some because they wanted salvation. But in our key text today, Jesus invites those who are feeling burned out to listen up. And He says to them then and us now that if you are exhibiting any of these warning signs, if you are feeling weak, exhausted, tired, empty, and weighed down, pay attention and take heed, these words are for you.
Before my car runs out of gas, I get a message that says, “tank almost empty, refuel now.” Before I’m completely out of gas, there’s a warning sign, and if I want to avoid being stranded, I had better pay attention to the warning sign. A 2015 survey found that the reason the majority of car drivers run out of gas and break down is because they ignore the car’s warning light.
The same thing happens in life and in our walk with God. So if you want to avoid burnout, you’ve got to recognize when your spirit is trying to give you indications that if you keep going like you’re going, your engine is going to stop working.
We face so much pressure each day as human beings to be doing more things, going more places, accomplishing more goals, and meeting more people. More, more, more. But if we don’t take care of ourselves, if we don’t pay attention to the warning signs that we’re running on empty, we’ll end up doing more harm than good.
What are the signs you start to notice that you’re running on empty? Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you get short with other people because you’re stressed? Do you shut down emotionally and socially? Do you try to get a quick boost from something earthly and temporary rather than going to your Father in heaven? Whatever the case may be, I would encourage you to begin identifying what your warning signs are so that, moving forward, you can take note of them when they start happening and you can earn when to rest and refuel.
People came to Jesus for a lot of different reasons during his earthly ministry. Some for forgiveness, some for answers to questions, some for healing, some because they were hungry, and some because they wanted salvation. But in our key text today, Jesus invites those who are feeling burned out to listen up. And He says to them then and us now that if you are exhibiting any of these warning signs, if you are feeling weak, exhausted, tired, empty, and weighed down, pay attention and take heed, these words are for you.
Before my car runs out of gas, I get a message that says, “tank almost empty, refuel now.” Before I’m completely out of gas, there’s a warning sign, and if I want to avoid being stranded, I had better pay attention to the warning sign. A 2015 survey found that the reason the majority of car drivers run out of gas and break down is because they ignore the car’s warning light.
The same thing happens in life and in our walk with God. So if you want to avoid burnout, you’ve got to recognize when your spirit is trying to give you indications that if you keep going like you’re going, your engine is going to stop working.
We face so much pressure each day as human beings to be doing more things, going more places, accomplishing more goals, and meeting more people. More, more, more. But if we don’t take care of ourselves, if we don’t pay attention to the warning signs that we’re running on empty, we’ll end up doing more harm than good.
What are the signs you start to notice that you’re running on empty? Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you get short with other people because you’re stressed? Do you shut down emotionally and socially? Do you try to get a quick boost from something earthly and temporary rather than going to your Father in heaven? Whatever the case may be, I would encourage you to begin identifying what your warning signs are so that, moving forward, you can take note of them when they start happening and you can earn when to rest and refuel.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments