Overcoming Spiritual Burnout

My husband and I love to visit Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch all the cruise ships leave the port. One of our favorite things to do is try to guess where they’re headed and how many people might be on board. We often cheerfully wave back in greeting to several of them who are standing and waving on the upper decks. 

One day, while I was swimming in the same area, I saw a mother with her three sons. The boys told their mom they wanted to play “baptism.” She got so excited and explained to them that she’d be more than happy to baptize them—but that they needed to understand what baptism truly means, and that it wasn’t just a game. 

After she explained the meaningfulness of choosing to be baptized, all three boys decided they wanted to give their lives to Jesus right then and there at the beach. We were first-hand witnesses as their mom baptized her children in the ocean. 

I remember leaving the beach that day thinking how simple it was for them. They heard the good news, said “Yes, I want to be saved,” and boom! There was no overthinking, no worrying about what others might think, or how much time it would take. It made me think about my own life and how I didn’t enjoy the simplicity of it all. I felt burnt out—burnt out by my job, my family, my household duties, and even spending time with God. 

That evening after we got home, I went through my nightly routine: putting on sweatpants, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and sitting down with my Bible. It all felt so mundane, like I was just going through the motions. That’s when I stopped and remembered those boys at the beach. In just one moment, they decided to give everything to Jesus. 

Why wasn’t I living like that? 

When Burnout Strikes, Get Involved with Community 

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of burnout is “an exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation, usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration.” 

When people think of burnout, they usually think of work or family—not spiritual burnout. But the truth is, even Moses suffered from spiritual burnout. 

"I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery." 

Numbers 11:11–15 

Moses reached a point in his journey through the wilderness where he was sick of the Israelites complaining about everything. He was so burnt out that he asked God to take his life. Of course, as we know from Scripture, that didn’t happen. Instead, God responded by telling Moses He would take some of the burden off him and share it among the elders and leaders. 

This is a great example of one way we can combat spiritual burnout. 
 

The reality is, no matter how hard we try, we can’t do everything ourselves. God calls us to be part of a community so we can share each other’s burdens. If you have found yourself isolated, find a small group and intentionally get connected.  

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”  

Galatians 6:2  

Don’t Overcommit 

On the other hand, sometimes we can get so involved in our church community that we get burnt out because we are not spending one-on-one time with God. Take some time for yourself to reconnect with Him. The time can include reading a daily devotional, listening to worship music, or escaping to a prayer closet. Get back to the “why.”  

What lead you to Christ in the first place? What are the things he has helped you get through in the past? Why would this time be any different?  

Comparison Fuels Exhaustion and Burnout 

Another reason we can feel spiritually burnt out is by playing the comparison game. I’ve found myself falling prey to this when I pull in the church parking lot on a Sunday morning and see the “perfect” looking family getting out of their minivan. I start asking God why I don’t have that or feeling like I need to keep up with the metaphorical Joneses.  

I counter those thoughts and feelings by stopping to remind myself of all the amazing things He has done in my life and remember that if God wanted me to have that life I would.  

Sometimes all it takes is a change in perspective to bring you back to what truly matters and help stop burnout. Gratitude so often is the antidote to the comparison game. 

Conclusion 

God knew I needed to be at the beach that day to witness those boys being baptized by their mother. Viewing that moment changed so much in my life. 

Since then, I’ve found a small group where we share each other’s burdens in everyday life, and because of that, I’ve stopped trying to do everything on my own. I’ve set aside time just for me and God. Sometimes, that means listening to worship music on my way to work, and other times, it’s sitting in my prayer closet at home. It may look different every day, however I’ve made a commitment to spend personal time with Him. 

I’m working on letting go of the comparison game and reminding myself that God placed me here for such a time as this. I’m not perfect by any means, and I’m aware I’ll struggle with spiritual burnout again in my lifetime—but I do have the tools to combat it. And now, you do too!