Renewing Your Heart for MinistrySýnishorn

Day 1: When You Feel Like You're Running on Empty.

Can I be honest with you? There was a season in my life when I felt completely spent. I'd wake up every morning dreading the day ahead, going through the motions of ministry while my heart felt like it was running on fumes. Maybe you know that feeling—when even the things you used to love about serving God feel heavy and overwhelming.

That's exactly where Pastor Rick Warren found himself in 2019. Here's a man who built one of America's largest churches, wrote "The Purpose Driven Life," and influenced millions—yet he hit a wall. The burnout was so severe that he took a sabbatical, admitting publicly that he needed to learn how to wait on God again. Can you imagine the courage that took? But here's what's beautiful: Warren discovered that even eagles need to rest before they soar.

You know what I love about Isaiah 40:31? It doesn't say "those who work harder" or "those who try more" will renew their strength. It says those who hope in the Lord—those who learn the sacred art of waiting on Him.

John Mark Comer puts it perfectly: "Burnout is not just about working too hard. It's about working from an empty tank instead of an overflowing heart." And Lysa TerKeurst reminds us, "Ministry is not a sprint; it's a marathon. And marathoners know that strategic rest and renewal aren't luxuries—they're necessities."

So today, I want to invite you into something that might feel foreign: intentional waiting. Not the kind where you're tapping your foot impatiently, but the kind where you simply rest in God's presence.

Your Turn: Set aside 15 minutes today—I know it seems impossible, but trust me on this one. Find a quiet spot, breathe deeply, and just be with God. Don't bring your to-do list or your ministry concerns. Just ask Him, "What do You want to renew in my heart today?" Write down whatever comes to mind, even if it's just peace or a single word.

Need deeper encouragement?Visit www.griefbites.org for additional resources on finding hope and strength during life's most challenging seasons.