Have you ever whispered that cry, maybe not out loud, but in the corners of your heart where no one else can hear?
That was Janelle’s cry.
She’s a wife, a mother of two teenagers, a full-time attorney, and deeply involved in her church’s women’s ministry and Sunday school. Her days are a whirlwind of deadlines, dinners, devotionals, and doing all the things for all the people. But when she came to me for coaching, she didn’t come with a to-do list – she came with tears.
“I’m exhausted,” she said. “My life is exhausting me.”
Maybe you see yourself in Janelle. You love your family. You’re committed to your career. You’re faithful in ministry. But behind the smile and the packed calendar is a woman running on empty.
Let me remind you of something beautiful: God never designed you to live in a constant state of depletion.
Yes, we are called to serve. But we are also called to be still. Called to abide. Called to rest.
God’s Invitation to Rest
When the Lord created the world, He worked for six days and rested on the seventh – not because He was tired, but because He was modeling a rhythm for us. A rhythm of work and worship, effort and exhale.
Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This isn’t just a gentle suggestion from Jesus – it’s an invitation with a promise. Rest isn’t lazy. It’s holy. Rest is resistance against the lie that says your worth is tied to your productivity.
The Trap of “Doing It All”
Somewhere along the way, we Christian women started believing we have to do it all to be worthy.
We overcommit because we want to be helpful. We say “yes” because we don’t want to let anyone down. We fill every hour because we think that’s what faithfulness looks like.
But here’s the truth: God never asked you to do it all – He asks you to do what He’s called you to do.
In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha,” . . . “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one.”
Martha was busy. Distracted. Doing “all the things.” And Jesus gently reminded her that Mary, sitting at His feet, had chosen the better portion.
Yes, ministry matters. Yes, your job matters. Yes, your family matters. But your soul matters most.
Signs You Might Be Burning Out
If your life feels exhausting like Janelle’s, you might be experiencing burnout – physical, emotional, or spiritual. Look for these warning signs:
- You’re tired all the time, even after sleeping.
- You’re irritable or overwhelmed by small tasks.
- You struggle to focus or feel numb spiritually.
- Your health is suffering (like high blood pressure or fatigue).
- Time with God feels like another box to check – or gets dropped altogether.
These aren’t signs of failure. They’re signs it’s time to slow down and realign your pace with grace.
What to Do When You’re Tired of Being Tired
If you’re crying, “Help! My life is exhausting!”, here are a few truths to rest in and practical steps to take that I shared with Janelle:
- Give yourself permission to pause.
You don’t have to earn rest. It’s a gift. Jesus regularly withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). If He needed time away, so do you. - Check your “yes.”
Every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else. Ask yourself: Is this assignment from God or from guilt? Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Start with ten minutes.
You may not have an hour for Bible study, but could you start with 10 minutes of Scripture and stillness? God isn’t looking for perfect quiet times – He’s looking for your heart. - Ask for help.
Talk with your spouse, a trusted friend, or even a coach. You weren’t created to carry life alone. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to bear one another’s burdens. - Anchor your identity.
You are not the sum of your responsibilities. You are a daughter of the King. Rest in that.
Let God Fill Your Empty Cup
Your exhaustion is not the end of your story. It’s a signal. A sacred signal pointing you back to the One who says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Janelle and I are still walking this journey together, and little by little, she’s making progress. She’s learning to release some responsibilities, say “no” without guilt, and prioritize time with God and herself. The more she lets go, the more she’s discovering that rest isn’t weakness – it’s worship.
Even in a full life, you can live from a place of fullness when you let God refill your cup.
You are not alone. You are not failing. You are simply being invited back into rhythm with the One who created you. A rhythm that includes rest, renewal, and restoration.
So, exhale. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to follow the One who can.
