Burnout.

Colossians 3:23

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

No matter how engaged you are with the work your doing, there comes a point that you just feel like you're not going anywhere. You feel bored. Everything that seems enjoyable before, suddenly feels like a routine. Finally, you ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" or "Is this worth it?" In short, you've burned out.

Most of us do well in our jobs so that, let's face it, our bosses or the management could take notice of us. We always look for the opportunity to step up so that we could show them what we're made of and that we could handle any task that they hand over us. Deep in our hearts, we work for recognition and to earn praise from them. Whether it is in the form of promotion, raise, or even a commendation. Some people become engaged at work because it's new and interesting for them. But what if the appreciation doesn't happen or the interest fades away? What do you do?

Well, people occasionally tend to be demoralized especially at work. Employees lose focus. We lost interest when things get old and boring. When the things we expect from our "earthly masters" are not given, we become frustrated. But in Colossians 3:23, a much better perspective is given to us by the apostle Paul when it comes to work.

It is said in verse 23 that we must work with all our heart as we are working for the Lord and not for human masters. Indeed, we are employed by companies, institutions, or even the government. However, as followers of Christ, we must always take into heart that in a way, we are working for the Lord not just for the company. In a sense, we work so we could earn money to provide for our needs but eventually, all the provision we receive is from the great provider which is the Lord.

It's normal to feel bored and demoralized once in a while especially when work becomes like a routine. But we should be mindful that work itself is a blessing by God and not some sort of curse. Yes, it's tough to work when you are not engaged and when the task is not interesting anymore. But nevertheless, we should still put our hearts into our work. Also, as believers, we are called to be representatives of Christ everywhere and in anything we think, say, or do. By doing so, we are not just blessed individually but also the people around us and the place we belong.

Reflect on this: Do you feel you've burned out? If so, what's the cause? How does God help you to refresh your perspective with work?

Prayer: Oh, Great Lord, I call unto you to give thanks! Thank you for the blessing of work. Because of this gift, I can duly provide not just for my family's need but for the church also. Truly, you are gracious.

I also call to you to seek your forgiveness. Lord, I am guilty of losing focus and sight of my goal in our workplace. Indeed, I am there to work, but I am also there to be a testimony for others that I am with Christ. That I serve you, the lord of lords and king of kings, my God.

Help me, Lord, to not burnout, but instead, burn with passion when it comes to work. Let me be revitalized and refreshed so that I could show my "earthly masters" that I do not just work for them, but I work for Your glory and honor. Let Colossians 3:23 be one of my motivation and inspiration everyday. All praise be to you. Amen!

The usual Monday blues.

Psalm 16:8

"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken"

Have you ever had that feeling that you'll have a very busy week because of the degree of work you've done on a Monday afternoon? Well, I do. Being in the IT industry, you never really can tell whether you'll have an easy going week or not. Not unless you start your Monday fully loaded with tasks (paperwork, meetings, etc.). But regardless of the type of work you do, and when worst comes to worst, what do you do?

Most people rely on their ability to multitask or to handle things at a very organized way based on priority and urgency. Some practice the way of delegation, though this is more common for higher level positions on a company. And unfortunately for some, the term "come what may" seems enough.

Let's face it, managing tasks can be a bit overwhelming. In fact, it's a common problem for the most of us. For me, before the work day starts or when things get a little out of hand and I can't seem to find the right way to do stuff, I just take a moment, bow down, and close my eyes to pray. Prayers. Simple right? But this is the most underestimated way of handling the pressures of work in the corporate world.

As said in the first part of Psalm 16:8, we must always put the Lord before us. This applies to everything and anything. Whether be it a meeting at work, exam at school, or even caring for our kids at home. We should always ask God to guide us in everything we do. We do not do this so God can give us a favor to do things for us. But it's more on the fact that we glorify Him by acknowledging that we can't do anything without Him. We are helpless without God.

When we raise our concerns and weaknesses to God, He hears them. He gives us the strength to brace ourselves so we would not be easily shaken by earthly struggles. Work included. He will give us the wisdom and knowledge to work things out. He will provide comfort when our minds and bodies reaches it's limit. God is more than willing to help us when we ask Him personally.

So before you do anything at the start of the day, spend time with God. Ask for His help. Give thanks for the opportunity of glorifying Him. God hears. God listens. All we have to do is ask.

Reflect on this: Have you ever thought of praying before facing the day at work? If not, why not call to God? Have you ever had the feeling that God helped you all through out the day because tasks seemed to be so easy to accomplish?

Prayers: My Lord, thank you for the strength that you always provide for me. Today, I am reminded that I cannot do things alone. That I can't do a thing without you guiding me. Oh God, with your grace and mercy, I know I would not be easily shaken. For you are my rock.

Dear Lord, always remind me that in everything we do in our lives, we should always put you first. Because as what you did for us, though we have sinned again and again, you have set us first before anything else. Not allowing us to pay the penalty of sin by sacrificing your Son, Jesus Christ. Showing your true mercy and grace in the process.

Lord, thank you. For in you and you alone, we will always find strength. Praise be to you. Amen.