I'll be the first to admit that I'm not always the best at taking my own advice. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I have a hard time saying no to new projects or opportunities. But recently, I found myself in a place where I just couldn't keep going at the same pace. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I knew I needed to take a step back and focus on my own spiritual and emotional health.
So, I did what any sensible person would do. I declared that I would continue in my regular roles as a church pianist, Bible study teacher, promotional designer, etc., However, I was taking a break from any new projects or commitments until I felt more like myself again. And that's when the criticism started rolling in.
"You can't just stop ministering because you're tired," one well-meaning Christian friend told me. "You're part of the Lord's army, and the battle doesn't stop just because you're tired."
At the time, I was too shocked and hurt to respond. But later, as I was reflecting on the situation, the Lord brought to mind the story of David and his army in 1 Samuel 30.
David and his men had just returned from a battle, only to find that their city had been raided and their families taken captive. They were devastated and weary, and many of them were too exhausted to even think about pursuing the raiders. But David encouraged them to press on, and they did.
However, along the way, some of the soldiers had to stop and rest because they were too weary to go on. Instead of continuing, they opted to stay by the stuff while the others went forth on the mission. After the battle, when the other soldiers returned to those waiting by the stuff, they wanted to punish those who had been left behind by depriving them of their share of the spoils, including their own wives and children. But David wouldn't hear of it.
"As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike," David declared in 1 Samuel 30:24 (KJV).
In other words, David recognized that those soldiers who had to stay behind and rest were still a valuable part of the army. They didn't give up. They didn't go home. They stayed by the stuff and did their part.
And that's exactly what I needed to hear. It's easy to feel like we have to be "on" all the time, especially when it comes to ministry. But the truth is, we're only human. We get tired, we get weary, and sometimes we need to take a step back and rest.
So, if you feel like you're running on empty, don't be afraid to take a break. It's not a sign of weakness or failure. It's simply a recognition that you're human and need to take care of yourself so that you can continue to serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
And if someone tries to make you feel guilty for taking a break, just remember the story of David and his army. You're still a valuable part of the Lord's army, even if you need to rest for a while. Just stay by the stuff and do what you can.
As David said in Psalm 23:2-3 (KJV), "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
So, let's be kind to ourselves and to others who may be struggling. Let's recognize that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity. And let's trust that the Lord will use us in powerful ways, even when we're not at our best.
After all, as the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV), "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."