21 Jan W4 | Elijah: Performing Without Burnout

Posted at 15:58h in February, Topics 2025 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ | “while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

 

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ | “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

OBJECTIVE

Take time to rest and come back to God. Knowing rest is a part of kingdom culture.

CONTENT

ELIJAH’S “BURNOUT”

  • Elijah, God’s prophet is a man of faith. Elijah boldly confronts King Ahab with God’s judgment for Israel’s idolatry. In the end, Jehovah was indisputably proven to be the one true God. All the people declared their faith in Jehovah, and Elijah slew all the priests and priestesses of Baal. But Queen Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah. In fear, he runs into the wilderness and goes into a depression so severe that he prays for death. Exhausted, he falls asleep twice and an angel feeds him. Finally, God tells Elijah that he is to return to his life.
  • In 1 Kings 19:5 we find God’s prophet Elijah emotionally and physically exhausted, falling asleep. Elijah had been so busy attending to the needs of others that he was “burned out”. So, God gave him a vacation where he could get physically and emotionally recharged. When we use up our emotional and physical energy, we become exhausted, which leads to depression. So, we need to find ways to recharge our batteries so that we don’t experience burnout and depression.

REST = COMING BACK TO GOD

  • In the midst of this hustle culture, people strive for busyness in order to achieve a perfect result. How many of us always describe ourselves as “busy”? How many of us feel hurried? How many of us never feel like we have enough time for all the things we need to do? Rest is a part of kingdom culture while the world always in a rush. People neglect the importance of rest. In fact, rest is fundamental in order to have a balanced life. The Bible also highlights the significance of rest and performing with purpose while maintaining spiritual and emotional health.
  • The concept of rest rooted from the beginning, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creation that he had done.” (‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬). God rested from all his work on the Sabbath. As we created in the image of God and our identity in Him, God invited and commanded us to do the same. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus modeled the importance of withdrawing from crowds and taking time alone for prayer (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). This practice highlights the necessity of personal reflection and spiritual rejuvenation amidst ministry. Jesus invited us to rest in Matthew 11:28. He wants us to find rest. If we are feeling “burnout” maybe we should pause and ask God to help us to see if we’ve taken on too much.
  • People who say, “I’d rather burn out than rust out” are headed for the bush. We need sleep, rest, exercise, and good food. Resting doesn’t mean being idle, as we draw ourselves back to God, we are surrendering the need to control by trusting in the completeness of God’s work. Establishing healthy boundaries in work and rest is crucial. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬), This includes both work and rest. Believers are encouraged to pursue their task diligently but also to recognize the need to step back and rest. This principle emphasizes the need for regular time to recharge and reconnect with God. Taking time for mindfulness and reflection on God's promises and presence can be a powerful antidote to stress.
  • Biblical Christianity places a strong emphasis on the importance of rest and balance in life, particularly in avoiding burnout. Emphasizing rest and reliance on God not only leads to personal well-being but also enhances their ability to serve effectively in their communities. Here are some key principles drawn from scripture that highlight the significance of rest and performing with purpose while maintaining spiritual and emotional health:
    - Sabbath Rest: God rested from all his work on the Sabbath. As we created in the image of God and our identity in Him, God invited and commanded us to do the same. The Sabbath serves as a day of rest, where believers are commanded to cease from labor and focus on spiritual renewal. This principle emphasizes the need for regular time to recharge and reconnect with God.
    - Jesus modeled the importance of withdrawing from crowds and taking time alone for prayer (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16).
    - Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28).
    - Balance in work and rest: there is a time for everything and establishing healthy boundaries in work & ministry is crucial.
    - Community and support: Engaging with a supportive community can help prevent burnout by sharing responsibilities and encouraging one another.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • What does the story of Elijah teach us and how can you relate to Elijah?
  • Do you think rest is a sign of weakness?
  • Share a thought on the hustle culture and always in a rush, how it differs from the kingdom culture.

REFERENCES