A Note to the Leader Who’s Tired
I see you.
You’ve been leading through a hard season. Holding space for others. Making decisions that affect people you care about. All the while, the world around you seems to be losing its mind. And somewhere along the way, you got tired. Not just 'I need a nap' tired—soul tired. I'm talking about the kind of tiredness that even a good night's sleep doesn't fix.
And just like most Christian leaders, especially those of us who are women, you've probably told yourself that feeling this tired means you’re doing something wrong. That you should be stronger. More resilient. Have more faith. That if you were really trusting God, you wouldn't feel this depleted. You've convinced yourself you're just not doing enough or doing it right.
But here's what I want you to know: Being tired doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're human. And God has something to say about that.
A Note to the Leader Who’s Tired
Friend, take a deep breath.
It's okay to rest. It's okay to not have all the answers.
It's okay to pause.
It's ok—necessary, even—to let God tend to your heart and soul.
You don't have to be strong for everyone else all the time. You're allowed to be held, too.
So, remember: this season isn't forever. Resting does not mean falling behind. You're still called. Still chosen. Still equipped. Even on the hard days. Even when you're tired. Keep going. Don't give up. God is with you. He will not fail you.
It’s true.
What God Says About Weariness
God doesn't shame us for being tired. Our physical health is something we have to steward well, just like everything else that's been entrusted to us. One of my favorite scenes in Scripture is found in 1 Kings where Elijah is instructed to eat and rest to recover from what's just happened and to prepare for what's ahead. It matters.
When you're tempted to feel ashamed because you're tired, revisit these scriptures:
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) - "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn unforced rhythms of grace I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and. you’ll learn to live freely and lightly."
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) - "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Psalm 46:10a (NIV) - "Be still, and know that I am God."
Exodus 33:14 - "The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"
Here's the thing: God knows we need rest. He expects us to take it.
Why You’re Really Tired
Before you can truly rest, it helps to know what’s draining you. What are the things that make you feel tired or cost tons of energy? Awareness comes before action and helps you discern next steps.
Your exhaustion could be because you are:
Carrying burdens that aren't yours. You've taken on responsibilities, emotions, and expectations that God never asked you to carry.
Running without rhythms of rest . You've been operating in constant output mode without refilling your soul on a regular basis.
Performing instead of being. You've been trying—striving, really—to prove your worth through what you do instead of resting in who God says you are.
Prioritizing the lesser things. You're pouring into things that drain you leaving little energy for the things that bring you joy and energize you. You're neglecting what actually matters.
You don't have to settle, and you're not stuck. Take a few minutes to ask yourself the questions that follow.
\f you’re wondering whether what you’re experiencing is regular exhaustion or something deeper like burnout, this post can help you identify the difference.
Reflection Questions
What's one burden I'm carrying that isn't mine to carry?
When was the last time I felt truly rested—body, mind, and soul?
What would it look like to let God tend to my heart right now?
What permission do I need to give myself that I've been withholding?
If I could hear God speaking directly to my weariness, what would He say?
How to Actually Rest
Resting isn't passive. In other words, it doesn't just happen that you finally feel rested. It takes consistent, intentional choices. If you're unsure where to start, here are a few things that might help.
Give yourself permission. Say it out loud: “It’s ok for me to rest. I don’t have to earn it.” Release the guilt. Remember, rest is obedience, not indulgence.
Identify one thing you can release. What's one commitment, expectation, or responsibility you can let go of—even temporarily? Who can you ask for help? I promise you, there is something. Keep looking until you find it.
Identify one thing that brings you joy and do that thing. What activity fills your cup instead of draining it? Maybe it's reading for pleasure, cooking a favorite meal, playing music, or spending time in nature. Schedule it like you would any other important commitment—because it is. Sometimes the most restorative thing you can do is take a full day off. Give yourself that gift.
Create space for a sacred pause. Schedule 30 minutes this week where you do nothing but sit (or walk) with God. No agenda. No productivity. Just presence. If you can’t manage a full 30 minutes at once, break it up into shorter blocks of time.
Tend to your body. Sleep an extra hour (take a nap or go to bed early). Take a walk without your phone. Eat something nourishing.
Speak truth over yourself. Print the note from the first section and keep it somewhere visible. Read it when the voice of "not enough" gets loud.
Be Kind to Yourself
Here's what every tired leader needs to remember: Being tired doesn't disqualify you. It doesn't mean you're a bad leader, lacking faith, or doing it wrong.
Leadership is hard. Goodness, these days life sometimes feels hard. Tiredness is evidence that you're carrying a lot. Don't forget to remember: God sees you. He's not disappointed in you. He's inviting you to come and rest.
You don't have to earn rest. And it's impossible to wait until you have enough margin to rest. Slowing down is what creates margin. And friend, the truth is that the quality of your rest will impact the quality of your work.
So, start today. Start small. Start by giving yourself permission.
Stay Connected
I’d love for you to join the conversation over on The Purpose Project Podcast where we regularly have conversations about real life faith, emotional health, and spiritual growth.
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