Tired. Burnt out. Loss of motivation. Depression. Low energy. Lack of focus.

These are some of the factors often associated with deep tiredness that comes from living life in a constant state of activity and stress. This level of tiredness cannot be fixed by one or two good nights’ sleep or even a two-week vacation. You do not feel able to relax and enjoy anything. You are up tight even when you are supposed to be having fun. You have lost the ability to laugh and the hearty laughter of others seems to irritate you.

This is not how followers of Jesus Christ were meant to live! By contrast we should be the most relaxed and fun people to be around. Instead, too many of us have become so overworked and tired that others – including our own family – don’t enjoy being around us. In some cases, they simply tolerate us only because they must.

Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30, NIV).

Jesus’ invitation is for us to come to him and trust him with all that weighs heavy on us and he will give us rest. He wants us to learn of him, so we can learn to see life and live life from his perspective.

This is difficult for those of us who seek our identity and self-worth in what we do rather than in our relationship with Jesus. Long 60–80-hour weeks and neglect of our family, health and relationship with Jesus are signs of seeking our identity in what we do. When we seek our identity from what we do, we have difficulty saying no to the demands of others.

At times we may need to work 60–80 hours and spend less time with family and self-care. However, those times should be intentionally planned and temporary. Instead, for too many, living this way has become the norm.

If you find that Christianity exhausts you, draining you of your energy, then you are practicing religion rather than enjoying a relationship. Jesus said that a relationship with Him would bring rest to your soul. Blackaby and Blackaby

Is your tiredness a physical, emotional and mental state that can be overcome with a break and some rest? Or is it at a much deeper level? Is it coming from your soul? Have you lost the joy of following Jesus because you as so performance-driven that you no longer know the joy of the Lord as your strength? Maybe it’s time for you to pause and reexamine how you are living your life and ask yourself the following question: Is my identity and purpose found in my relationship with Jesus or are in the things I do?

What shift do you need to make to regain proper perspective?

If you would like help in achieving your goals as a leader or in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.

Correction: A devotional from Blackaby Ministries International was accidentally posted earlier instead of a link to the ministry website. We apologize to our readers and Blackaby Ministries Internationa.Thank you for your patience and understanding.