81 | Feeling burnt out? 7 Biblical Affirmations that Help you Find Rest in Christ

Feeling spiritually drained? You're not alone. That exhaustion isn't a sign of weakness—it's a signal that you've been carrying more than you were meant to carry alone.

Most believers who pour themselves out for others eventually reach a point where their own spiritual tanks run empty. The real challenge isn't just external noise—it's the internal weight of expectations, responsibilities, and the guilt that comes from feeling spiritually inadequate. Isaiah reminds us that "in quietness and trust is your strength," but that quietness doesn't just happen naturally in our overstimulated world.

In this soul-nourishing episode, we explore seven biblical affirmations that combat spiritual exhaustion, including "God's strength is made perfect in my weakness" and "I don't need to earn rest; I receive it as a gift from God." You'll discover a simple 15-minute devotional routine designed for real life, learn how sensory anchors like biblical essential oils can create sacred moments throughout your day, and understand why setting boundaries around your spiritual practices isn't selfish—it's sacred.

Whether you're a prayer warrior, caregiver, or someone who simply feels disconnected from God amid life's demands, this episode offers practical tools to reclaim your connection with the divine. Because your spiritual wellbeing matters, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

Ready to transform your relationship with God? Schedule your Aroma of Christ coaching hour today at PaulaBehrens.com/coaching and discover how to make your devotional life both meaningful and sustainable.

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Transcript

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Introduction to Spiritual Exhaustion

Paula Behrens 0:00

Are you spiritually worn out , emotionally exhausted , feeling empty or drained ? Do you long for time with God but feel like the chaos of life is getting in the way ? Well , you're not alone . Most all of us have been there at one time or another . Today we'll walk through powerful affirmations and devotional practices that can help you connect with God even when life feels overwhelming .

Paula Behrens 0:22

But first funny story, when I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time , everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized . But , truth be told , there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath , let alone dive into deep reflection . One day , as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes , I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson . Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices .

Paula Behrens 0:59

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful , God-aligned day ? I'm Paula and I've been there too . Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult . I long for a deeper connection with God , but struggle with consistency . Then I found the perfect approach . If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God , this podcast is for you .

Paula Behrens 1:22

Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour

Paula Behrens 1:24

You want to grow closer to God , but let's be honest your days are full , your mind is busy and your devotional routine feels more like a struggle than a sanctuary . That's exactly why I created the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour . This one-on-one session is designed to make deepening your relationship with God simple , peaceful and personal . No pressure , no overwhelm , just a guided , spirit-led approach to help you reset and reconnect with Jesus in a way that truly fits your life . You won't leave empty-handed either . You'll walk away with everything you need to continue your journey , including a printable devotional planning and tracking guide to help you stay consistent , a beautiful Gospel reading plan that walks you through the life of Jesus , a downloadable prayer journal to reflect , process and pray intentionally , and practical guidance on how to use essential oils to get you past procrastination and into a heart-healing rhythm of daily devotions . You don't need fancy tools or hours of free time . You just need a doable plan and someone to help you make it real . So let's make your devotional life easy , meaningful and refreshingly Christ-centered .

Paula Behrens 2:31

It's time to simplify your spiritual life so you can savor it again . Book your Aroma of Christ coaching hour today at paulabehrens . com/ coaching . That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces) . Say goodbye to procrastination and hello to simplifying your spiritual life , so you can savor it again . All right , it's time to get started . Grab your Bible , dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in .

Paula Behrens 3:07

Our focus today will be on affirmations and devotions . And hearing God in the chaos, for Christians who are feeling worn out . If you've lost your spiritual rhythm because you've been giving so much to everyone else , this episode is your lifeline . We'll explore how to breathe life back into your spirit , using biblical affirmations , grace-filled devotional routines and practical tools that meet you right where you are . I want to begin today with a simple but profound truth , and that is this: being spiritually worn out does not mean you're weak . It means you've been carrying more than you were ever meant to carry .

Paula Behrens 3:43

So many believers , especially the ones listening to this podcast , are nurturers by nature . You're the helpers , the hands and feet of Jesus in your homes and communities . You're the prayer warriors . You're the wives , mothers , grandmothers , daughters , sisters and friends . You're the ones helping neighbors in need , volunteering at church , checking on your children , littles or not so little anymore . You're the ones staying up late , interceding in prayer for those you love . You are faithful , but even faithfulness has its cost if you aren't replenishing your own soul .

Paula Behrens 4:20

Maybe today you find yourself saying, I am so focused on others that I've lost touch with what I truly need from God myself . Or perhaps you're saying I can't find time for me , let alone quiet time for the Lord . Maybe you've even whispered, I want to hear God , but the chaos around me is just so loud .

Spiritual Fatigue is Not Failure

Paula Behrens 4:44

Well , I want to tell you something from the bottom of my heart, your fatigue is not a failure , but it is a signal . It's a sacred and holy signal . It's your spiritual cry for nourishment , to be still , to be seen , to be healed . Jesus speaks directly to your soul when he says, Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened , and I will give you rest . He doesn't require you to fix yourself first . He doesn't ask you to come after you've figured everything out . He simply invites you to come as you are tired , drained , empty and deeply loved by him .

Why Chaos Blocks God's Voice

Paula Behrens 5:24

Let's talk about why chaos blocks our connection to God . Can we be honest ? Life is noisy and it's not just the noise of text messages , kids running through the house or the noise of traffic on your commute to work every day . The real noise , the real chaos often lives inside of us . It's the emotional weight of what you've carried silently for months or even years . It's the mental clutter of responsibility . It's the guilt for not doing as much as you think you should , or the shame of feeling like you're never enough . And then there's the external chaos too the constant notifications from your phone , the endless to-do list , the dishes that keep piling up and the obligations you never seem to escape .

Paula Behrens 6:13

Over time , without boundaries , this chaos grows louder and louder . We take on too many responsibilities , we absorb too much information . We live under the weight of all those expectations from others , from ourselves and even from what we think God expects of us . Eventually , the stillness of our soul , our sense of peace , gets buried under that avalanche . We begin to wonder why we can't hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit clearly anymore . We wonder why prayer feels ineffective or why the words of scripture feel so distant . Isaiah , in chapter 30 , verse 15 , gives us a beautiful reminder , saying, In quietness and trust is your strength . But the hard truth is this, quietness doesn't just happen . It's something we have to reclaim , and it starts with speaking truth into the chaos and creating space for God's presence again , even if it's only a few minutes at a time .

7 Biblical Affirmations for Renewal

Paula Behrens 7:18

Let's talk for a moment about the power of biblical affirmations . You might want to grab a pen and paper for this segment . Pause the podcast if you need to . Okay , so I'm not talking about self-help mantras or secular affirmations . I'm talking about scripture-based truth , words rooted in God's Word that will speak directly to the lies you might actually believe when you're overwhelmed , exhausted or spiritually empty . Got that pen and paper ready ?

Paula Behrens 7:48

Here are 7 biblical affirmations I encourage you to speak out loud first thing every morning . Or you could write them in your journal or place them somewhere you'll see throughout the day, taped to the bathroom mirror , on the dashboard of your car or next to your Bible . The important thing is that you let them become your declaration of truth . Here they are 7 affirmations based on God's Word .

Paula Behrens 8:12

One - I am not alone . God is with me . Based on Isaiah , chapter 41 , verse 10 .

Paula Behrens 8:19

Two - I have permission to rest . Look up Matthew , chapter 11 , verse 28 .

Paula Behrens 8:26

Three - God's strength is made perfect in my weakness , see 2 Corinthians , chapter 12 , verse 9 .

Paula Behrens 8:33

Four - I am more than what I do . Read the story of Martha and Mary in Luke , chapter 10 , verse . 42 .

Paula Behrens 8:40

Five -Peace is my portion , John , chapter 14 , verse 27 .

Paula Behrens 8:47

Six - I hear God's voice , John , chapter 10 , verse 27 .

Paula Behrens 8:52

And seven - God delights in me, Zephaniah , chapter 3 , verse 17 .

Paula Behrens 8:59

These aren't just nice phrases , these are weapons against the lies of burnout . Lies like, you are behind, you are not enough, God is disappointed in you . Absolutely not true . God is delighted in you . Let the Word of God replace the weariness . Let it become the script your soul lives by .

Paula Behrens 9:21

If you've ever said, I wish I had time for a real quiet time , but my life is just too full , then this part is for you . God is not measuring your faith by the number of chapters you read or how eloquent your prayers sound . Your devotional time doesn't need to be long or perfectly orchestrated . God simply is asking for you to sit with him for a while .

A Simple 15-Minute Devotional Routine

Paula Behrens 9:43

Let me offer a simple , realistic 15-minute devotional routine . This one is designed for those of us who live in the real world, with dishes in the sink , a million things to do and a spirit that's craving rest .

Paula Behrens 9:56

Step one: Find a quiet corner in your home , breathe deeply . Place a drop of Young Living Frankincense essential oil in your hands , inhale and allow your mind , body and spirit to slow down . Invite God in with a whisper . Say: Lord , I'm here .

Paula Behrens 10:15

Step two: Open your Bible to a short , familiar passage . The Psalms , the Gospels or maybe even the Proverbs are a wonderful place to begin . Try the 23rd Psalm . Just read it slowly and attentively .

Paula Behrens 10:33

Step three: Then ask yourself what does this reveal about God and what is he saying to me today ? Listen for a word or phrase that speaks directly to your heart .

Paula Behrens 10:43

Step four: Pray a one-sentence prayer . It doesn't have to be a long prayer , just something sincere like, Lord , help me to rest in your presence or, speak peace into my chaos today .

Paula Behrens 10:55

Step five: End your time by declaring one of the affirmations we just went over . Let it become a seal over your time with God . Let it carry you through your day and remember devotional routines are not about performance . They're about protection . Protection of your connection , of your peace , of your ability to hear God's voice even when life is noisy and chaotic .

Sensory Anchors and Setting Boundaries

Paula Behrens 11:22

Let's talk about sensory anchors that are going to support your spirit . Our senses are powerful . They shape how we experience the world and they can also shape how we experience God's presence with us . The best way to create sacred moments throughout your day is by using God-designed tools that are going to signal to your brain that it's time to be still , it's time to listen .

Paula Behrens 11:48

Aromatherapy is one of the most effective anchors I've found . Diffusing Young Living essential oils , especially biblical ones like frankincense or cedarwood , can prepare your mind and heart for quiet moments with God . These oils were used in the Bible for worship , prayer and anointing . You'll find them in the Old Testament priesthood , in the early church and even in the life of Jesus . These aromas are designed by our Creator to gently guide the body into a calmer , more receptive state . You can also anchor your time with worship music or simply by placing your hand over your heart and breathing slowly , reminding yourself that God is near . These practices aren't about creating a ritual . They're about creating space .

Paula Behrens 12:36

When you engage your senses , especially the sense of smell , you remind your spirit, this time is sacred, this moment is set apart for God . You are allowed to set boundaries that protect your peace and your walk with God and you don't need to explain or justify it to anyone . You can say no to that extra commitment . You can close the door for 10 minutes in the middle of a chaotic afternoon . You can let the dishes sit and open your Bible instead . God isn't asking for perfectly checked off to-do lists . He isn't asking for perfection . He's simply asking for your heart . In a world that constantly demands more and more of us , boundaries become holy spaces , places where we can meet with God without distraction , shame or guilt .

Paula Behrens 13:29

Here's something worth making a note of and keeping close . Write this down . I don't need to earn rest , I receive it as a gift from God . Here it is again . I don't need to earn rest , I receive it as a gift from God . And remember resting in the Lord isn't selfish , it's sacred .

Closing Blessing and Next Steps

Paula Behrens 13:56

Before we close , let me speak a blessing over you , friend . Wherever you are right now, I pray these words will refresh your heart and restore your soul .

Paula Behrens 14:05

May you know deep in your heart that God sees you . May you feel his nearness even in the chaos and noise of life . May his Word become your anchor in any storm and his Spirit your daily renewal . You are not forgotten , you are not behind , you are not failing . You are loved , you are chosen and you are held . Even now , in this very moment , the Lord is whispering your name and he's inviting you into a serene sanctuary of peace and rest .

Paula Behrens 14:40

If this episode resonated with your spirit , I want to personally invite you to schedule an Aroma of Christ coaching hour with me . You can book your session at paulabehrens . com/ coaching . In our time together , we'll begin by addressing anything that's causing you to feel stuck in procrastination , anxiety or spiritual fatigue . Calling on God's gifts of aromas , you'll learn how to gently release what no longer serves you well , creating space for your heart to overflow with God's profound peace . Then together , we'll create a devotional plan that actually fits your life , one that supports your rhythms and your responsibilities and your relationship with the Lord . Together , we'll come up with a God-honoring plan that's going to help you reconnect deeply and consistently with your Savior because the bottom line is this, your spiritual well-being matters and you don't have to do this alone . Okay , friend , if nothing else , I pray that this episode helped you remember you are worthy of rest , peace and God's unshakable love .

Paula Behrens 15:49

Thank you for tuning in today and remember , just like setting biblical boundaries , it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well , like that third piece of cake at the church potluck . If you've enjoyed this episode , we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review . Also , prayerfully consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth . In your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour , you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule, incorporate essential oils into your spiritual practices , create an easy to follow tracking plan for consistency and learn tried and true strategies to experience your quiet time with God not just as a routine but as a joyful journey . Schedule your call now at paulabehrens . com/ coaching . That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces) . Be sure to check the show notes for all the links . Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ . Until then , keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom . See you next time .