I have heard stories from missionaries about how they have burnt out on the field. Moving to another culture, away from extended family, learning a new language, reporting to people that send financial support, trying to figure out one’s place in the new foreign community, etc… All these things can tend to take their toll. One of the biggest stressors sometimes is the feeling of loneliness. Often times missionaries don’t work together because they are always coming and leaving, and it takes a while to be able to meaningfully connect with locals. Facebook tends to magnify the problem because now missionaries can see from afar all the life events they are missing out on. These are just some of the issues missionaries deal with, but I am sure you have your own to add to the list.
Psalm 103:3 & 5 gives us a Lifehack for avoiding burnout.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits… who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
To summarize what David was writing here, don’t forget what God has done for you and what he will do for you! Set your heart and be thankful for how he has saved you and brought you near, how he has healed you and how he gives you good things.
The Hebrew word for “satisfies” is the same word that is used for to be full after you have eaten a meal. And the Hebrew word for “good” refers to things that are pleasant, comforting, excellent, beautiful and it is the same word that is used when talking about the Lord’s enjoyment in the things he has made (Genesis 1).
From reading this verse today I am reminded of God’s commandment to not forget, in other words to think about and be thankful for what he has done for us. It is a commandment from God, take joy! Also, be filled up and be satisfied, eat your fill of the good things he gives us. Suffering is part of our walk, and an important one in which we know the Lord more and more through it. However, enjoying the gifts of God and the little things that he has made is just as holy and needed. Psalm 103 says that it is how our youth gets restored! It is how we are made new! It is how we avoid burnout.
Here are some other verses in Scripture that relate to this…
Proverbs 10:22 says, “The blessing of the Lord makes a man rich and he adds no sorrow to it”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 say this, “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all the toil–this is God’s gift to man.”
There is even a warning against us if we do not do this! Deuteronomy 28:45 & 47 says, “All these curses shall come upon you… because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness and gladness of heart, because of the abundance of all things.”
God wants to make you new. He is happy to do good to you (Jeremiah 32:41) and to refresh you with his generosity. Be happy today, take joy in God and be refreshed in him. If you are having trouble seeing the good things he gives you. Take some time to rest, and disconnect from your work. Then ask God to help you.
Here are some things I have done recently or in the past:
– Start a thankfulness journal
– Go eat somewhere you like and don’t feel guilty about it
– See something beautiful in nature
– Watch sports you like
– Get a puppy
– Take a joy ride
– Start a hobby
– Worship God (not out of obligation or an agenda, but just because)
Good word Jordan. Thanks for consistently using your words to be an encouragement to all of us!
Also, “get a puppy” may be THE ideal solution (; hahaha
Definitely get a puppy!
Yes – thankfulness and living in connection with others wherever you are is key.
Thanks for sharing, Jordan.
Good stuff J-DizzleDrop. It’s helpful for me too sometimes to put things into perspective – I get to dream up what I would most want to do with my life and then other people will pay me to do that. That’s basically my life. Talk about privilege!!
Thanks Jordan. I like singing. Even though I’m not trained to sing well for others, when I sing praises to God and sing out His promises to me, my heart responds and I can feel joy and peace even in the most troubling times. So I say SING to the Lord, sing loud, play your tambourine, dance with your dog, watch the birds, feed squirrels. The simplest things in life remind me that I am loved and I belong to the family of God, never alone, never forsaken. That makes me happy.
Great to hear from you. This was a wonderful reminder that came at just the right time. I have shared it with a number of my colleagues here at the University. We pray for you and think of you often. When we think of you we are joyful!