Suffering: Burnout, Like Solomon

The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem:

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
Everything is meaningless.
What do people gain from all their labors,
at which they toil under the sun?...”

“All things are wearisome,
More than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,
Nor the ear its fill of hearing.
What has been will be again,
What has been done will be done again;
There is nothing new under the sun…”

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”

Ecclesiastes 1:1-3, 8-9, 14 (NIV)

Burnout. I’ve been there, and it’s DANGEROUS!

This condition can sideline anyone, even God’s wise and rich King Solomon. The symptoms include:

  • A “been-there, done-that, what's-the-point?” mindset.

  • A “tried-it-all, sick-of-it-all!” boredom.

  • A “where-can-I-find-lasting-joy?” crisis.

  • A “why-am-I-stuck-in-this-life?” meltdown.

  • A “nothing-changes, nothing-helps” despair!

When young Solomon began his kingship (and God said he could have his fondest wish), his one request was the gift of wisdom, which he received– PLUS the bonus of wealth!

But sin crept in with his lust for ladies, as in 1000 wives and concubines,* setting him up for what all of us learn: 

Whatever we're chasing won't satisfy (beyond a VERY short amount of time) UNLESS we’re seeking God first and foremost.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Lust isn't just sensual indulgence. It’s when we love anything MORE THAN GOD.

It's running a race for lifeless trophies… like wealth, fame, titles, trifles, and success.. 

But when we run any race without God, then we're running without navigation– and without His unlimited power. Consequently, burnout is imminent.

But when we race to, for, and WITH JESUS, toward the destiny He commissions, our “burn” will be the fire of His Spirit:

Filled with the glow and flame of His Presence, and without any damage from the fire!

Suffering: Burnout, Like Solomon (Part 10)

* Short article: Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban