Emotional exhaustion is a real thing that stems from having life draining you of your mental strength and not having the right source refilling you. I have always had multiple parts of my life running full steam ahead. Multi-tasking has always been at maximum capacity. I could keep it all together only by God’s grace. But a person can only go full steam ahead for so long.
I think about Elijah in the Bible and how God took care of him when we ran into the wilderness sat under the broom tree and was so tired that he prayed for death. He ran himself ragged until he couldn’t take anymore. Exhausted he falls asleep and an angel comes and feeds him.
Elijah was a mighty prophet for God during a turbulent time when Israel had turned away from God to worship Baal, and King Ahab allied with Sidon by marrying their princess, Jezebel. Elijah was sent to show Israel the evil of their ways and encourage them to return to God. When Jezebel threatens him with death he runs away. He had reached his limit, he was exhausted.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest” -Matthew 11:28
God helped Elijah in three distinct ways by providing him with food and water and offering him a message of reassurance and renewed purpose. Essentially, providing physical sustenance, a moment of respite and spiritual encouragement to continue his journey.
An angel appeared to Elijah and provided a meal for him, allowing him to regain his strength.
The broom tree offered a place for Elijah to rest and recover from his exhaustion.
God spoke to Elijah, reminding him that he was not alone and giving him a new perspective on his mission.
When Elijah sat under the broom tree he thought his task was done, he thought it was over. He was ready to meet God and asked for death. But God had other plans.
Elijah traveled 40 days and nights to Mount Horeb to a cave where God challenged him to return to his mission. During the 40-day walk, God gave Elijah peace, and His presence and restored his passion.
I think this 40-day journey helped Elijah reflect on who he was as a person, his skills, and his abilities. This is not in biblical teaching though, it’s just my opinion.
I know reflecting on my life helped me rethink why I started my journey to become a strong follower of Jesus.
When I’ve felt like I’m too exhausted to fight, God has helped me to realize my journey is not finished. There is still more to be done. Asking God to restore the joy of my salvation and everything else. Everything that had made my life, my life.
God’s peace, His presence and my passion are my three elements of a happy, fulfilled life.
If you’re feeling emotionally exhausted maybe it’s time to take a break. Stop, take a pause, relax, reevaluate, and recharge. Spend time with God and pray for His peace and strength to walk away from anything stealing your peace.
From Pity to Praise 