“Burnout is an emotional state characterized by an overwhelming and enduring feeling of exhaustion or aggravation.
Burnout is a condition that develops gradually as the person’s creativity and effectiveness erodes into fatigue and an inability to function productively”
Herbert J. Freudenberger
Symptoms of Burn-Out
- Chronic fatigue – exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down.
- Anger at those making demands.
- Self-criticism for putting up with the demands.
- Cynicism, negativity, and irritability.
- A sense of being besieged.
- Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things.
- Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances.
- Weight loss or weight gain.
- Sleeplessness and depression.
- Shortness of breath
- Suspiciousness
- Feelings of helplessness
- Increased degree of risk taking
Psalm 23:3a
He restoreth my soul…
2 Corinthians 4:9
8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:9b Amp.
9…we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:8b-9 (Msg)
8…We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do,
9but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken.
Psalm 23:3
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
2 Corinthians 7:5
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
2 Corinthians 7:5
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
The Dangers of Living with Burn-out
Burned out people – FORGET THE PRIVILEGE OF MINISTRY.
2 Corinthians 4:2
1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
Burned out people – START TO APPROVE SHAMEFUL THINGS.
2 Corinthians 4:1c-2
…we faint not; 2But have renounce the hidden things of dishonesty
2 Corinthians 4:1c-2 AMP
…we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion.
2We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame);
Burned out people – ADULTERATE GOD’S WORD.
2 Corinthians 4:2
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
Burned out people – STOP DOING GOOD.
Galatians 6:9
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9 Msg
9So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.
What do the burned-out need?
A God ENCOUNTER
2 Corinthins 7:6a
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down,…
2 Corinthians 7:6a Amp
But God, Who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed and the sinking…
A Friend to ENCOURAGE
2 Corinthians 7:6b
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A Community to EMBRACE US.
2 Corinthians 7:7
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.