Spiritual Reflection: Exhaustion and Burnout, I Have Nothing Left to Give

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28

Dear one,

If you’re reading this and already feel too tired to keep going, know this: your exhaustion is not a failure. It is a sign that you’ve been giving, loving, lifting, and carrying with all your heart. You are not weak—you are weary. And that matters deeply to God.

Burnout isn’t just emotional. It’s spiritual. It creeps in when we begin to carry more than we were made to hold. It whispers lies: “You have to do more,” “You can’t stop,” “You’re the only one.” But these are not the voice of the Shepherd.

Yeshua’s voice is different. He says,“Come to Me.”Not try harder, not be stronger, but come.

He invites you not into more doing, but into being held.

A Bible Story for Reflection: Elijah Under the Broom Tree

(1 Kings 19:1–8)

We often think of Elijah as the fearless prophet who called down fire from heaven. But in this story, Elijah is done. He’s scared, alone, and utterly drained. He flees into the wilderness and collapses under a broom tree, praying, “It is enough now, O Lord. Take away my life.”

This version of Elijah is rarely discussed in sermons, yet it stands as one of Scripture’s most genuine moments.

And what does God do?

He doesn’t scold. He doesn’t ask for more.

He sends an angel. With warm bread. And water. And sleep.

Not once, but twice.

Before Elijah can face his next mountain, God ministers to his body, his soul, and his weariness.

You, too, are allowed to rest. You are allowed to fall apart in God’s presence. Renewal is not earned—it is given.

Journaling Reflection

Use these prompts in a quiet space, without pressure to be profound—just honest:

• What part of me is most depleted right now—body, heart, mind, or spirit?

• What would it look like for me to truly rest in God’s presence?

• When have I experienced divine care in my exhaustion—through a person, a moment, or a whisper?

• Can I accept that God wants to care for me, not just work through me?

Practical Steps to Alleviate the Struggle

1. Schedule a “Broom Tree” Moment

   
   

   Choose one time this week for sacred rest. No productivity. Just lie down, breathe, cry, or nap. Say aloud: “This is holy.”

2. Name Your Limits Before God

   
   

   In prayer, tell God exactly where you have spent. Use Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your heart before Him.” You don’t need to hold it all together.

3. Receive Care from Others

   
   

   Ask someone to pray for you, bring a meal, or simply sit with you. Let yourself be Elijah. Let someone else be the angel.

4. Create a “Burnout Rescue Kit”

   
   

   Fill a small box or journal with reminders, such as a comforting verse, a photo, a scent, a song, or a blessing. Use it when the tank runs dry.

5. Practice Breath Prayer

   
   

   Inhale: “Come to Me, Lord...”

   
   

   Exhale: “...and I will find rest.”

   
   

   Repeat slowly, allowing His words to become a balm for your spirit.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, my weary soul longs for rest.I have been faithful, but I am frayed.I bring You my emptiness—not to be refilled for more work,But to be renewed because I am loved.Thank You for meeting me under my broom tree.Thank You for rest, for angels, for stillness.Let me find my strength again—by simply being Yours.Amen.