14/08/2026
WHY DO WE EXPERIENCE BURN OUT?
We experience burnout because we try to rely on our own limited human strength rather than God's endless power. In Galatians 6:9, the Bible acknowledges our tendency to grow weary when it tells us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
When exhaustion hits, Jesus provides the ultimate cure for burnout in Matthew 11:28, offering a direct invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
To revive and encourage ourselves in our Christian walk, we must shift our focus to the Lord, trusting the promise in Isaiah 40:31 that "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Many highly influential and respected pastors throughout church history and modern times have openly admitted to struggling with severe depression and burnout. Their transparency proves that mental and emotional exhaustion is a human reality, not a sign of spiritual failure.
Charles Spurgeon: Known as the "Prince of Preachers," he was the most famous Baptist pastor in Victorian England.The struggle: Spurgeon suffered from a lifelong, paralyzing battle with deep depression, regular "fainting fits" of the mind, and severe burnout caused by overwork and physical illness. In his own words he openly wrote and taught about his depression to his students, famously stating that "the preacher's fainting fits" are common and that he often wept without knowing why.
Martin Luther; the German priest and professor who catalyzed the Protestant Reformation. The struggle: Luther frequently experienced deep seasons of what he called Anfechtungen (intense spiritual anxiety, dark despair, and melancholy) that would leave him bedridden for days.In his own words: He was very transparent with his students and family that his mind was often assaulted by darkness, and he openly advocated for community, rest, and music to help revive a depressed soul.
Rick Warren: Author of The Purpose Driven Life and founder of Saddleback Church, one of the largest megachurches in America.The struggle: Following the tragic loss of his son to su***de after a lifelong battle with mental illness, Warren spoke openly about his own severe grief, emotional burnout, and deep depression.In his own words: He used his global platform to break the stigma of mental health in the church, admitting to his congregation that pastors are completely vulnerable to the same mental and emotional brokenness as everyone else.
John Piper: Famed theologian, author, and former long-time pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church.The struggle: In 2010, after decades of non-stop ministry, Piper realized he was severely burned out, experiencing sour emotional detachedness, and hurting his family dynamic.In his own words: He requested a mandatory 8-month leave of absence from ministry to seek counseling, rest, and spiritual renewal, speaking openly to his church about his desperate need to reset his soul.
When burnout strikes, Scripture commands us to lean into God's sustaining grace and extend deep empathy, rather than judgment, to others. For ourselves, Galatians 6:9 urges us not to grow weary in doing good, promising a harvest if we do not give up, while Psalm 34:18 reminds us that "the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." When we recognize this same heavy exhaustion or depression in others, the Bible instructs us in Galatians 6:2 to "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Instead of criticizing or judging someone's spiritual state, we are called to actively pray for them and lift them up, just as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs us to "encourage one another and build each other up." By choosing compassionate prayer over criticism, we mirror Christ, who protects and binds up the broken instead of condemning them.
I will be continuing this teaching with lioking at examples of those in Scripture who also suffered from the same conditions and encourage us all in prayer to stand fast, pray for others and ourselves. Life always changes. Allow yourself the opportunity to experience a change in yourself and or others by waiting on the Lord. He will never ever fail us.
Gods best blessings to all of my beloved brothers & sisters in Christ. I would love to hear from you if you will post a comment and add to our subject here in some way. Thanks so much. Agape love in Christ always,
Min. Ev. Debbie ADAMS
LCMI Senior Ministry Director
USA Headquarters
