OVERDRAWN
It captures the essence of being trusted too much, drawn from too often, and the need for replenishment, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. It’s poetic, poignant, and rooted in both the imagery of a well and the emotional state of burnout.“The Burden of the Trusted”
They say you’re the strong one. The wise one. The faithful, the prayerful, The “can I talk to you for a minute?” one. The pillar. The counselor. The keeper of secrets. The trusted. But let’s tell the truth in the house of God, Trust can be a crown, Or a cross. Because people, yes, even good people, sometimes abuse the trust of those who are most trustworthy. Why? Because trust is a well, and the thirsty will draw, and draw, and draw, without checking to see if the well is running dry. And if the water always flows when they knock on your door, They assume it must be endless. Like grace. Like God. But you are not God. And though you may look like peace under pressure, You have bruises under your armor. Tears behind your wisdom. And exhaustion between your scriptures. Why do the trusted get used? Because we don’t always say “no.” Because we’re afraid “I need a break” will sound like “I don’t love you.” Because our value got tied to our usefulness. Because they assume you don’t need help. And maybe, you’ve assumed it too. But trusted one, you who carry burdens in silence, God sees you. Remember Moses? Even Moses got tired. Even Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms. (Exodus 17:12) Even Jesus, in Gethsemane, asked HIS friends, “Will you watch with Me one hour?” And they slept. Even Jesus was betrayed by a kiss from a friend. So if your strength has been mistaken for an endless supply, You’re in Holy company. So what can the trusted do, to not burn out? Set Holy Boundaries. Jesus said “yes” to the FATHER, but HE also said “no” to the crowd. HE withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16) If the Son of God needed time alone, so do you. Let Yourself Be Poured Into. Trusted doesn’t mean invincible. Find your Barnabas, someone who lifts you. Find your Timothy, someone you pour into. And find your Jesus, because only HE can restore your soul. You are not their salvation. You are a vessel. A messenger. A steward, not the source. Take off the cape. Let God be God. Tell the Truth About Your Tiredness. It is not a sin to be tired. It is not weakness to need rest. Jesus sat at wells too. So sit down. Sip. Recover. To the trusted who feel used, Your worth is not in what you do. It’s in who you are. A beloved child. A soul marked by heaven. Not a tool. Not a machine. But a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19) God doesn’t just want to use you. HE wants to heal you. Refresh you. Remind you, That even the trusted need trust. Even the strong need strength. Even the shepherd needs a Shepherd. So rest, beloved. Rest without guilt. Rest in grace. Rest in God. Amen