When life becomes burdensome or we get burned out, our faith life can also suffer. We may feel the need to throw in the towel and pack it up—and that’s okay. We need to acknowledge when we feel fed up, frustrated, anxious, or any other negativity. Some of us have been giving of ourselves to the point of exhaustion, and we simply run out of steam. However, if it starts to affect our relationship with God and really makes us question our faith, perhaps it is time to step back and take a breath.
The first thing to realize is that God and the Church are not the problem. God does not expect us to be used as a doormat, nor does He want us to serve as punching bags. In addition, though individuals within the Church may expect us to keep giving, the Church as a whole wants what is best for us. She wants us to grow in the Holy Spirit and become better, holier children of God.
In addition, we must recognize that our faith stems from personal relationships: our connection with God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; our bonds with family and friends; and our ties with the Church and the broader community. All of these relationships should work together to draw us closer to God and to one another. If we are fed up with things at work, for example, it will affect our interactions with our spouse, family, and ultimately, God and the Church.
Furthermore, instead of running away from good, fruitful interactions, we need to embrace them more. When we’re frustrated, we must spend more time with the things (and people) that give us life and purpose, and we may even need to distance ourselves from those that are toxic to our well-being, if only for a few hours or a few days.
Ultimately, our purpose is to grow in God’s grace and wisdom. When we’re fed up, we need to feed up and nourish ourselves with faithful, life-giving things:
- Turn to prayer and the Corporal Works of Mercy to bolster your faith in God. Reread scripture passages that both challenge and inspire you to be a better person.
- Take time to meditate and give thanks for the blessings you’ve received throughout your life.
- Remind yourself that you’re not alone and that things will get better. Painful situations are temporary, and God is walking the journey with you.
While our faith teaches us to be self-reliant, it also encourages us to utilize the worldly things that help us grow and thrive. Consider the following:
- Surround yourself with the pastimes that give you life, such as art, music, sports, and pets.
- Engage in activities that energize and rejuvenate you, for example, exercising, attending concerts, cooking, and reading.
- Spend time with people who build you up and make you recognize your self-worth and dignity.
