When you feel exhausted and discouraged

Bob Russell Aug. 15, 2021

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"I'm just drained!" That phrase jumped out at me from an email I received from a discouraged pastor. He wasn't guilty of gross immorality or intellectual doubt, but he did confess his walk with Christ seemed nearly non-existent. He seemed to be robotically dragging himself through the motions of ministry, lacking energy, faking compassion, and longing for renewal. Serving the never-ending demands of his congregation had left him bereft of energy, or in his words, "just drained."

These days, many mature believers can identify with that pastor. While they are not guilty of spiritual rebellion, they are not exactly "keeping their spiritual fervor serving the Lord" (See Romans 12:11). Whether from the lingering effects of the pandemic, their anemic church, a bickering nation, a prodigal child, or a nagging health issue, the apparent triumph of evil has left many of them lacking vitality and joy.

Nearly 3,000 years ago, the prophet Elijah was drained. "I've had enough, Lord," he moaned. "Take my life; I've had it!" What happened? Elijah was one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. Just a day earlier, he witnessed a dramatic miracle that defeated 450 false prophets, proving the God of Israel was the only true God.

You would think Elijah would spend the next day celebrating with a victory parade. But the Baal-worshiping queen Jezebel had retaliated by putting a contract out on his life. Do you know what Elijah did then? This miracle-working, courageous man of God"… ran for his dear life to Beersheba"and prayed that he might die. "Enough of this, God! Take my life – I'm ready to join my ancestors in the grave!" (1 Kings 19:3-4 The Message).

Why would someone who had just stared down hundreds of false prophets flee from one woman? I don't fully know the answer. But I do know this — there comes a time when even anointed prophets conclude they have had enough. They think they cannot take any more. They have had enough criticism, enough fund-raisers, enough staff issues, enough rejection, enough disappointment, enough loneliness, enough death, or just enough of whatever! Even the most mature believers battle discouragement at times.

Elijah, one of God's best, isolated himself and whined, "I'd just as soon be dead." That's when God showed up. The Lord had closely monitored the entire situation. He did not bark, "Elijah, snap out of it! I'm disappointed in you!" No, God understood. And He gave Elijah three meaningful gifts to help restore his passion for service.

First, He allowed Elijah to refresh himself physically. Elijah was exhausted, so God let him sleep, eat, and relax. Sometimes the best therapy for discouragement is a restful vacation. You may be in desperate need of some downtime and not even know it. So get away for a while. Don't return phone calls or read text messages for a few days. Don't micromanage your business from afar. Stay off social media. Don't even watch the news. Just take a break and let your mind and body rest.

Second, God revealed Himself to Elijah. The Lord spoke to him in a gentle, quiet whisper. Simply being in God's presence lifted Elijah's spirits and gave him a new perspective. How long has it been since you genuinely worshipped God when you were not responsible for leading others? Take time to read the Bible and meditate on God's Word. Listen to your favorite Christian music or be encouraged by an inspirational preacher or podcast. Rather than continually giving to others, be intentional in allowing others to strengthen you. Take time to "Be still and know that I am God…" (Psalm 46:10).

Third, God gave His prophet a new challenge. While it is helpful to work through negative experiences, God did not spend much time psychoanalyzing Elijah to give him a better understanding of what caused his discouragement. Rather, once Elijah was physically and spiritually refreshed, the Lord said, "Okay, Elijah, I want you to focus on the next assignment. There are two kings I need you to anoint and a successor I want you to mentor."

There comes a time to get your mind off your problems and on to a new challenge. Get excited about tackling some new venture or teaching an eager student. When you get the focus off your personal issues and on to the next task, it does wonders for your attitude and energy level. Solomon offered some of the wisest therapy in the world with this simple phrase: "…whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

One of my favorite hymns reads:

"O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see.
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free.

"His word shall not fail you, He promised.
Believe him, and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace."

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Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More »

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