The Right Kind of Fatigue...
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 4:38PM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. This week I'm posting late Monday night because I'll be out of town for the next few days. Each month I give away a $10.00 Starbucks gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a comment, share a story or insight, and just maybe you'll win a jolt of java for you and a friend!
Two quick announcements:
In celebration of my newest release, Growing Grateful Kids, I'm giving away a 4G-I-pod Shuffle to someone who posts a book review on Amazon (only one month left on this promotion!). Go to my Facebook page, click on the Free I-pod! tab for more information.
My new radio show, Live the Promise with Susie Larson launched a couple of weeks ago (Noon to 1:00 CST every Saturday)! My guest this Saturday is author and columnist Lee Grady. We will be talking about his book, "The Holy Spirit is Not For Sale" and, about the need for a great awakening in the coming days. We had a great, and thought-provoking conversation. Be sure to listen in! For more information, go to: www.Faith900.com
Now, on to my topic...
Many years ago, I went through a burnout stage that was so bad, it actually scared me. I had been committed to so many good things, I - like many others - had lost sight of the BEST thing - to live and breathe in sync with God's heartbeat for me.
The Lord was gentle and wonderful during my recovery season. Step by step He led me through a time of soul-searching, rest, reflection, and repentance. I understood, on a deeper level, how much He loves me, how important my time is to Him, and how I only have this one life to offer HIM. And I can't give to Him something I've already given away to somebody else.
Out of that season I learned to 'put the big rocks in first' as some are known to say. Certain things in my life had to be immovable commitments if I ever hoped to bear the kind of fruit God had in mind for me from the beginning of time. And the same is true for you.
In the Gospel of John (chapter 15) Jesus tells us that we have a divine appointment to bear MUCH fruit, and that it's to His Father's great glory when we do. It blesses His heart so much when we live by faith, abide in the Vine, and live in response to His love.
As Christians, we don't produce more by doing more; we produce more by being more with Christ.
But here's something very important about the fruit-bearing life: We are going to get downright exhausted sometimes, and that's okay.
In those early years after my burnout, when I would only take careful steps into commitment, and still have the occasional day of absolute exhaustion, that wretched enemy would come in like the bully he is and accuse me for being 'back in that place' of burn out; of never learning to say no, etc., etc. blah, blah, blah.
And I just took it because I agreed with him. But then, the Lord whispered to my heart and said, "You are most definitely NOT back in that place! You have a little fatigue today and you need some rest; tomorrow is a new day. When you were burned out, you were tired every day; you had lost your margin and your joy. That's not you now. You are in a NEW place and learning to work within the ebb and flow of life." That insight was a healing revelation to me.
I also read the work of pastors and ministers who do large-scale ministry, and every one of them admitted that although they KNEW they were walking in God's will for them, they still had days when they dropped in bed in exhaustion. It's simply true: walking out the things God has for us - though wonderful and exhilarating - can still make us tired from time to time.
Maybe this is obvious to everyone but me. But when I figured this out, the accuser slithered away. Now, instead of being tired for a month (something I'd never allow in my life again), I might be tired for a day or two. And as soon as I notice twinges of fatigue that carry over, I make some immediate changes.
What about you?
Are you flirting with burnout? Have you been joyless and tired for a long time? Maybe you need a time of recovery and rest. I'd love to send one of you a free copy of my book, "Balance That Works When Life Doesn't." Leave a comment and I'll announce a winner next week along with Starbucks card winner.
Or maybe you're just a little tired and just need a little break. Give yourself one.
More than anything, I pray that if you're tired, it's from working through and walking out God's highest and best will for you.
May the Lord fill you up and make you strong! May you hear His voice and follow His lead.
Blessings upon you this week~
Reader Comments (17)
Thanks Susie:-)
Praying for you!
I can handle maybe one or two on-going recurring commitments at a time, and that leaves me with enough margin to say yes to unexpected and interesting one-time commitments. I don't want to say "No" on auto-pilot any more than I want to say "Yes" without consideration... but it has been wonderful to give "informed regrets" and feel no guilt. My beloved, Ken, tells me that I am a finite resource. That is inarguable.
:-) H.
P.S. Your new blog design is lovely.
I love what how you wrote, "there are days of productivity, and days that are less so." SO true! In this fast-paced-over-driven culture, it's literally an act of faith to slow down and to rest beside still waters. And when we do take the time to exhale, we inhale more strength. He always gives more grace. May God continue to help us live in that beautiful rhythm of life. Bless you, sister!
I'm so thankful that you heard that gentle whisper not to give up. I've often been amazed at how sly the enemy is to sow seeds of doubt and confusion when we are tired. Even Jesus was tired from time to time. Rest is a gift from Heaven; and it recharges us to move ahead in His strength. Bless you and thanks for your post. :)
It was great spending time with you on the phone today. Our conversation helped shaped my thoughts for this blog post! May the Lord Himself strengthen you with overwhelming grace to change your world. You're an amazing young woman - wise beyond your years! Bless you, my friend.
Your post made me smile. Thank you for your kind words! May God give you grace and strength, rest and refreshment, and peace and perspective as you step out and do the things He has given you to do.Blessings to you!
So nice to meet you!I do pray you find great encouragement and inspiration as you stop by from time to time.Many blessings to you and yours!
Thanks for your post. Isn't that just the easiest thing to forget? We get caught up in the striving-to-produce trap and forsake a thriving inner life with Christ. But that's where all of the fruit is born and established. The more I pray and wait on the Lord, the more I get done in a day. :)Blessings to you!
So glad your soul was nourished by this post! I'm also grateful that you are following God's lead to simply BE His Beloved. Those times of rest and reflection are what help us to discern the good thing from the best thing. Oh, I feel the urgency to make the days count! Lord, help us to bear MUCH fruit for Your glory!Bless you, dear!
Oh, may God part the waters and make a way for you to find times for rest and refreshment. May He calm your heart so you can enjoy the rest. And may He renew your thoughts so that you remember how treasured and spiritually wealthy you really are. :)
Blessings to you, sister!