Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV)
Have you ever felt old? Tired? Emotionally and physically exhausted? Disinterested or apathetic? These are some of the symptoms of burnout. Burnout can happen to anyone in any setting. It can happen to people in their professional lives, personal lives as well as spiritual lives. It can occur in young and old alike. Burnout can lead to decreased motivation or performance. It can lead to strained relationships and diminished compassion for others.
Truth be had I have been there. Sometimes I feel like I am still there. Burnout is common among healthcare providers and other caregivers. People who provide services to others. It can be related to compassion fatigue. These people often take care of others more than themselves at times. In the midst of many people one can even feel isolated.
After reading this passage I had to do a bit of research to figure out the context and importance of this scene as described. And quite a scene it is. The picture of old dusty bones shriveling up to nothing. Absolutely devoid of life. Too far gone. But this passage goes further and mentions the people of God. The Israelites, imprisoned or wandering, are devoid of faith in God’s promise. Dried up. Burned out.
Those with burnout, whatever the situation or setting, can feel like they are wandering with no sense of purpose. No end in sight. No direction or clear path to contentment, to peace, to the promised land. Just like the Israelites.
But God has plans to resurrect us. To make us whole. To make us renewed in him. He is the one who promises to “breathe into you and you will come to life.” It is, however, a process. We see that God puts the flesh and skin on the bones but they are not yet alive. Not until the four winds are breathed into them are they made to live.
Our personal journey out of whatever state of burnout we may be in is a process. God’s process. What can be done with God’s help? Improve our self care including spirituality and meditation. Restore the flesh with exercise and healthy activity. Take in the breath of freshly restored relationships and friendships. God can help. Just as he brings the dried up bones back to life by faith and action He can bring us out of the doldrums of burnout with new life. Creating a vast army of his people, ready for action, to be his helpful hands and feet on Earth.
Go in peace! And serve the Lord!
Questions for Reflection:
- Have you ever experienced burnout in some aspect of your life?
- Did you overcome it? How?
Prayer:
Good and gracious God, thank you for all the ways you guide us, walk with us, encourage us. Please be with us as we work through the challenges in life. Keep us focused on you, on our health and on our healthy relationships. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment