I've got to admit, there are times that ministry just really burns me out. There are days that I just can't help but feel really frustrated and even angry sometimes. I get so frustrated that sometimes I really don't feel like praying to God anymore. What I end up doing is getting out of the house and walking. Just walking and walking. I guess it helps me to relax. I try to spend as much energy as possible on something else other than my frustrations. I guess you could say that I try to wear my frustrations down by burning my whole body out on doing something physical. I figure sometimes that if I could drive myself to exhaustion I would be too tired to even get angry or frustrated anymore.

What really frustrates me alot in ministry is people. It's when you feel like you're doing everything that you can and giving everything that you've got and the people that you're trying to help are not even sensitive enough to do their part. I end up asking myself why I should even be doing these things for people I honestly don't think really care about God. What happens is that the Lord reminds me that I'm not doing it for them. I'm doing it for Him. That gives me motivation. The kind that really works.

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24(NKJV)

I take more of those walks nowadays. I try to spend as much time alone away from people to renew my strength. However, these physical activities can only do so much. They work on mild cases but not really on the more serious ones. What does work, though, is when I talk to my Heavenly Father during these walks. When I do, this combination just puts me back at ease. Finally, I'm back with the company that really brings me comfort.

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are being tempted. - Hebrews 2:18 (NKJV)

Friend, perhaps you too have had your share of frustrations and burn-outs. If you've tried exercising and every other physical "anti-stress" therapy there is. Let me make a suggestion. I'd like to refer you to my therapist and Comforter--Jesus Christ. He doesn't fail. And He does understand.

His method? Well, it's really not all that complicated. Either in bed, in your walks, or in your work-outs, just talk to Him. Tell Him how you feel. That's how it begins. The rest is in His hands...

Remember, Jesus is not only our Lord. He's our best friend. He doesn't want a solo. What He longs for is a great combination with you. You're not alone. Don't act like you are.

God bless you. And don't give up.