The Lord is my Shepherd…He makes me lie down in green pastures…He restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-3, NIV
It had been a really long day in the middle of the spring semester. Everyone seemed on edge, tired of the routine, and preoccupied with just getting the job done. Even the principal, who is typically fun-loving, retreated into her office in a gray mood.
As I sat at home that evening, I wondered what I could do to overcome the dreariness that seemed to be plaguing me and my school. Besides considering all the natural means of helping myself recover: a shopping spree, a night out with friends, a long, quiet weekend, or even a full night’s sleep, I knew there had to be a better way to survive this trying time. It was then that the Lord revealed to me that I needed to look to Him for strength and encouragement instead of everywhere else. He led me to the words in Psalm 23, “He restores my soul.” He reminded me that although He often uses common things to do His work, He is my source, and I must go to Him first.
If you are suffering from burnout, I encourage you to remember Who you belong to and Who you serve. It is He who has called you, and He will sustain you and restore you. Let His wonderful power so energize you that everything you do at school bears the imprint of His freshness and new life. Let His presence lift your burdens so that you can be fully restored and ready for service to Him.
Lord, we praise you. Renew us this day with Your joy, peace, and purpose. Amen.
Copyright Shirley Wilson.
Shirley is a retired Christian Educators member and former board member of Christian Educators.
