My Journey from Burnout to Sabbath

How Juggling Work and Ministry Nearly Broke Me—And How God's Command to Rest Changed Everything

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Rest often feels like an afterthought in today’s fast-paced, hustle-driven culture. We wear busyness like a badge of honor, always grinding, striving, and pushing for the next achievement. But here’s the truth: God never designed us to run on empty. In fact, He commands us to rest—not as a burden, but as a gift meant to restore our bodies and souls.

I had a friend who used to say, "I'll sleep when I'm dead." This was his excuse for working himself to the point that relationships, personal needs, and everything else took a backseat. It wasn’t just about working hard; it was about working until he had nothing left to give. And honestly, I used to have the same mindset.

For most of my adult life, I’ve juggled two jobs—not because I wanted to, but because I had to. First, I supported myself and later provided for my family. It wasn’t easy. Balancing ministry and the marketplace meant long days, late nights, and weekends that never really felt like weekends. I’d go from one responsibility to the next, pouring myself out for others while trying to keep up with financial obligations.

There were times I felt completely drained—mentally, physically, and even spiritually. I struggled with the tension between my calling and the practical need to pay the bills. But in that struggle, I learned some of the most important lessons of my life. I discovered the power of perseverance, the necessity of trusting God even when I felt stretched thin, and—perhaps most importantly—the importance of true rest. Not just physical rest, but the kind that restores your soul. The kind of rest God actually commands us to take.

More Than Just a Day Off

Let’s be real—when we hear "Sabbath," we might think of something old-fashioned, maybe a religious rule that doesn’t really apply today. But Sabbath isn’t about legalism or just taking a break from work; it’s about intentionally creating space to connect with God, refresh our minds, and reset our hearts. It’s about trust—trusting that God is in control, even when we stop working.

From the very beginning, God wove rest into the rhythm of creation. Genesis tells us that after six days of creating, He rested on the seventh. Not because He was tired, but to set an example for us. Then, in Exodus 20:8-10, He commands:

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."

The word "Sabbath" comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which means "to cease, to stop, to rest." It’s not just about physical rest—it’s a pause from striving, a moment to breathe and realign ourselves with God’s heart.

And Jesus? He reinforced this in Mark 2:27, reminding the Pharisees:

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."

In other words, this is for us. God knew we needed rest long before modern burnout culture existed. Sabbath isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom. It’s about stepping out of the chaos and into God's peace.

Jesus Modeled Rest (So Why Don't We?)

Even Jesus—God in the flesh—took time to rest. Think about that for a second. If anyone had an excuse to keep going nonstop, it was Him. He had a world to save! He had disciples to train, people to heal, and sermons to preach. The needs around Him were endless. And yet, He still made rest a priority.

Mark 6:31 records Him telling His disciples:

"Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while."

Jesus made a habit of withdrawing to quiet places to pray and reset. He didn’t just encourage rest; He modeled it. He often retreated to the mountains or went out alone at night to be with the Father. He knew that constant output without input leads to burnout.

Think about your own life—how often do you feel drained, mentally foggy, or spiritually disconnected? We keep pushing ourselves, thinking we have to do more, be more, and achieve more. But Jesus shows us a different way. If the Savior of the world needed rest, why do we think we can function without it?

Rest isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of faith. It’s trusting that God is still working, even when we’re not. It’s saying, "God, I don’t have to do it all because You already have."

So, what’s stopping you from resting? Is it fear of falling behind? Guilt about not being productive? The cultural pressure to always be ‘on’? Whatever it is, lay it down. Because real strength comes from being refreshed in His presence.

How to Sabbath in a Fast-Paced World

You might think, "That sounds great, but my life is way too busy to take a full day off." And I get it. Setting aside an entire day can feel impossible with work, side hustles, relationships, and responsibilities. But practicing the Sabbath doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some ways to make it work in your life:

1. Pick a Day That Works for You – Traditionally, the Sabbath was from Friday evening to Saturday evening, but Jesus freed us from a rigid schedule. Choose a day or even a few intentional hours where you unplug from work and responsibilities.

2. Create a Restful Atmosphere – Light a candle, play worship music, go for a slow walk, and enjoy a meal with friends or family. Sabbath is about delighting in God and the good things He’s given you.

3. Say No to Distractions – Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” step away from social media, and resist the urge to check emails. The world will keep spinning without you for a few hours.

4. Spend Time with God. Whether you read scripture, journal, or sit in silence, use this time to realign your heart with Him.

5. Do What Refreshes You – Rest looks different for everyone. Maybe it’s hiking, painting, playing music, or simply taking a nap. Sabbath is about engaging in what brings you life.

Take a Sabbath This Week

God calls us to rest because He knows we need it. He built it into creation. He commanded it for His people. And Jesus lived it out.

So here’s your challenge: Schedule a personal Sabbath this week. Block off time—even if it’s just half a day—and commit to it. Guard that time as sacred, and see how God meets you in it.

What does rest look like for you? Have you struggled with making time for the Sabbath? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.