The term "burnt-out" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be related to various biblical themes and experiences of exhaustion, weariness, and spiritual depletion. In a biblical context, burnout can be understood as a state of physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion that results from prolonged stress or overwork, often accompanied by a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.

Biblical Examples and Principles

1. Elijah's Exhaustion: One of the most illustrative examples of burnout in the Bible is the prophet Elijah. After his victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel's threats and experienced profound despair and exhaustion. In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah prays, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." This moment of deep fatigue and discouragement highlights the human tendency to become overwhelmed, even after significant spiritual victories.

2. Moses' Burden: Moses also experienced a form of burnout as he led the Israelites through the wilderness. The constant demands of leadership and the people's complaints weighed heavily on him. In Numbers 11:14-15, Moses expresses his distress to God, saying, "I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how You are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin."

3. Jesus' Invitation to Rest: Jesus offers a remedy for spiritual and emotional exhaustion. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites the weary to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This passage emphasizes the importance of relying on Christ for strength and rest.

4. Sabbath Rest: The principle of Sabbath rest, established in Genesis 2:2-3 and reiterated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), underscores the importance of regular rest and renewal. The Sabbath serves as a reminder that humans are not designed to work incessantly but are called to rest and trust in God's provision.

5. Paul's Endurance: The Apostle Paul faced numerous hardships and pressures in his ministry, yet he found strength in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares God's response to his plea for relief: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul concludes, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me."

Practical Applications

· Dependence on God: Recognizing human limitations and the need for divine strength is crucial. Believers are encouraged to cast their burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55:22) and trust in His sustaining power.

· Community Support: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support. Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to "carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

· Prioritizing Rest: Embracing the biblical principle of rest and taking time for physical, emotional, and spiritual renewal is essential for preventing burnout.

· Prayer and Reflection: Regular prayer and reflection on God's Word provide spiritual nourishment and perspective, helping believers to realign their priorities and find peace amidst life's demands.

In summary, while the term "burnt-out" is modern, the Bible addresses the underlying issues of exhaustion and offers guidance for finding rest and renewal in God.

In the Narration of that Event Already Mentioned, and Especially ...
... as by fire." [723]. 104. This, then, we have stated, so as to prove that
sins are burnt out by means of fire. We know now that this ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii in the narration.htm

The Foolish virgins.
... At midnight there was a cry, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him."
But five lamps had almost burnt out, and the foolish virgins said unto the ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the foolish virgins.htm

'de Profundis'
... Happy are they who have thus writhed awhile in the fierce fire of God, and have
had burnt out of them the chaff and dross, and all which offends, and makes ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon viii de profundis.htm

The Invasion of the Assyrians
... Then they are truly purged in the fire of affliction, that whatever dross and trash
is in their hearts may be burnt out, and the pure gold left. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxvii the invasion of.htm

A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of ...
... all joined with the seditious; but pitched his camp at a certain village that belonged
to Ptolemy, whose name was Arus, which the Arabians burnt, out of their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 a sedition against.htm

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others ...
... For, if the root of the fault is not burnt out in the profusion itself, the thorn
of avarice, exuberant through the branches, is never dried up. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxi how those are.htm

Concerning Mar Jacob and his Companions
... shows forth in the three quarters:"its rising is keen and bright; its meridian strong
and overpowering;"and like a torch that is burnt out, its setting is ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xiii concerning mar jacob.htm

A Rash Vow
... to Jesus Christ. And I suppose not only was it burnt in upon his memory,
but it burnt out all his self-confidence. It is beautiful ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/a rash vow.htm

Hell.
... star that is now in the firmament was to burn by himself one by one, a thousand
years apiece, would it not be a long while before the last of them was burnt out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxviii hell.htm

May the Twenty-Third Wind and Fire
... And fire is our supreme minister of cleansing. Fire can purify when water
is impotent. The great fire burnt out the great plague. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/may the twenty-third wind and.htm

Burnt-out (1 Occurrence)
Burnt-out. Burnt-offerings, Burnt-out. Burnt-sacrifice . Multi-Version
Concordance Burnt-out (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy ...
/b/burnt-out.htm - 6k

Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences)
Burnt-sacrifice. Burnt-out, Burnt-sacrifice. Burnt-sacrifices . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Burnt-out, Burnt-sacrifice. Burnt-sacrifices . Reference Bible
/b/burnt-sacrifice.htm - 10k

Burnt-offerings (86 Occurrences)
Burnt-offerings. Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings. Burnt-out . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (ASV DBY JPS WBS YLT). Burnt-offering, Burnt-offerings. Burnt-out...
/b/burnt-offerings.htm - 38k

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