Right now, I’m in the very beginnings of recovery!

I’ve just been through the thick of a season of burnout. It wasn’t pretty: My kids went on a sleep strike, I was needed 24-7 and there were days where I couldn’t seem to rest for more than five minutes without someone needing me to be awake, alert and serving!

Pressure also came from limited resources and other, external responsibilities. Honestly, I can’t fully explain the whirlwind of pressure that I have faced this past season. It wasn’t all bad; but it was all kinds of stress. It was a case of: “Pressure’s on, but you are going to make it.” There was no quitting on the season, if that makes sense.

During the past three days (!) I am starting to feel signs of life in me again. Signs that I am not just in survival mode, but I am getting my life back. I think I am actually resting!

To be honest, the initial rest has been a shock to my battered body! Extra sleep has resulted in me feeling really groggy.

And so I just wanted to write to those of you that might also be in recovery. Maybe you are getting over a break up that caused you a great deal of stress. Maybe you are coming out of a job that has been really intense.

Whatever the reason, if you’ve spotted some signs that the pressure is easing, even just a little, I’ve listed a few steps and words of encouragement, which might help you transition to a new season.

1. Process the Tough Stuff.

I love this paraphrase verse from the Message bible. It’s Jesus speaking:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11: 28 – 30, MSG.

“Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.”

What a promise!

In every season, Jesus promises recovery. Think about that.

Recovery for me has begun with extra sleep and time to myself. But I am reminded of the importance to process what has just happened.

I don’t really know how I am going to do this yet, but I just sense in my spirit that it is important to get away with Jesus and recover.

Maybe you could do the same? Maybe it’s an appointment with a councillor, a day of journaling or a long coffee date with a mentor, or friend.

My mind is drawn to think of people from the bible. Jacob, for instance, went through a season of wrestling with God and, when it was over, he put a stone on the ground:

Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it.

Genesis 32: 14, NIV.

What stone do you need to lay down, before moving on from here?

Do you need to write a thank-you list for all the good things that have happened in this season? Do you need to just tell someone that it happened and you survived?

My sense is that we need to get to a place where we can truly praise God for the good bits of that season, and lay down the tough bits at His feet.

2. Be Self-Aware in the Present.

I mentioned in a previous blog that there can be “seasons of pressure” and “self-inflicted pressure.”

A season of pressure happens when our external circumstances become intense, regardless of what we have or have not done.

Self-inflicted pressure, or stress, is when we take on too much and don’t manage our boundaries very well. That is – we take on too much, we choose to stress ourselves out by taking on more than God is asking us to – therefore, more than is healthy for us.

What I want to say to you is – be careful. When you are coming out of a season of pressure it can be easy to fill your new rest time with jobs and stuff that just isn’t meant for you.

For instance, I have felt anxious about having time to myself. I got a few hours alone today and anxiety told me: “Quick, hurry, cram in washing/ cooking/ working/ sleeping/ blogging/ praying/ budgeting and shopping.”

Simply put,I often stress about whether I should write a blog post pray, journal or do something else.

That anxiety is driven by fear. Fear that I won’t get another few hours alone. Fear that I will fail. Fear that I will make the wrong choice. Fear is not from God. The bible says:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18. NIV.

We can stay present to perfect love in each moment. In other words: we can stay aware of Jesus in every moment.

We don’t have to jump on an anxiety train or fill our diaries. In fact, if we are recovering it’s probably a good time to say no to most things. Jesus will make it very clear that which you should say yes to. Trust Him.

3. Get Inspired and Dream Again.

In the season I have just been in, I didn’t want to write much. I felt that I had little to offer, which is understandable. I was burnt out and I hadn’t much to give.

But, in the past few days, God has reminded me of my love for writing. He’s given me encouragement for this blog and He’s helped me to remember things that I am good at.

For instance, I get excited when I start a new writing project. I totally forgot about that part of me but, this week, God quite literally put a new venture into my hands.

As I begun the new work, I was surprised and delighted to turn my attention to something creative… It gave me joy. That joy spurred me to take a fresh look at my own blog and my heart has suddenly come alive with different ideas and ways to communicate.

Under pressure, it’s been hard to feel like I’m doing a good job at anything! Everything has been about getting through. But now I am beginning to see glimpses of new. I’ve started to dream again.

If you are coming out of a stressful season, ask God to give you fresh vision for what’s ahead.

Psalm 145 says this:

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
    and faithful in all he does.
The Lord upholds all who fall
    and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
    and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand
    and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Psalm 145: 13 – 16, NIV.

I feel like some of us need to be expectant for God to fulfil promises. Even those that He made to us a long time ago.

Let us remember who our God is: “trustworthy,” and “faithful.”

Let us watch as he puts new things into our hands.

Let Him satisfy us, like only He can.

Look Back, Stay Present and Believe for Your Future

Hard seasons are great teachers. I feel like the season I’ve just been through has changed me. Compassion and patience have grown, for sure.

I don’t know what you’ve gained from your tough season, but find time to look back and find the rubies in the rubble.

As you come out of a season in which you’ve been stretched, remember that Jesus is present with you. He will come through for you, so stay present to Him and avoid getting caught in more stress.

Take it slow, now. Look to God for your next steps. You will be surprised when He gives you something you forgot you asked for. Something better than you could have ever gained for yourself.