Spiritual Help for Caregiver Burnout

Being a caregiver is something like being a superhero. I mean if superheroes were everyday people who ran on coffee, donuts, and lack of sleep.

On a serious note, caregiving is not for the faint of heart. So when you think of a job with such an extraordinary responsibility, it calls for supernatural ability. And I don’t know about you but the only truly supernatural being I know is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

So, you’re in luck after all because we know that in His Word He promised His Holy Spirit to all who believe in Him. So I guess you’re a superhero after all.

Let’s look at some practical and actionable ways to tap into God’s supernatural power, to help you be successful on your journey as a caregiver.

1. Prayer

Prayer is going to be your most powerful tool in the toolbox. As tired as you may be as a caregiver, you somehow find the energy to go on and spending time in prayer will supercharge that energy. Try waking up just 10 minutes earlier every day, to spend time with God, in prayer.

Prayer does not have to be elaborate or long or complicated. Initially, my struggle was with what to say but just think of prayer as a conversation with your best friend. Jesus is the best friend you’ll ever know and the Holy Spirit is able to interpret your every want, need, and desire.

But let’s face it some days you just feel like crying. What I find useful for times like these are pre-written prayers. During times that I feel more motivated, I take advantage and I write out my prayers.

Think of the Acronym P.R.A.Y

When writing out prayers, I find this acronym to be helpful.

Praise and Thanksgiving– Psalm 100:4-5 Enter His gate with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever. The bible tells us that He inhabits the praises of his people (Psalm 22:3). If you want to feel the presence of God, begin to praise Him and see what happens. Also, check out my Prayer of Praise.

Repent– Confess your sins, but also ask God to show you where you unknowingly have fallen short, so you can turn away from those thoughts and actions as well (Psalm 32:5, Psalm 69.5).

Ask– The Bible says we have not because we ask not, but it doesn’t stop there it tells us we don’t receive because our motives are wrong, misguided, and oftentimes selfish (James 4:2-3). Check your motives and align yourself with the Will of God and the Character of Christ, when you petition the Father.

Yield– Yielding to the Will of God, puts you in a position to delight yourself in the Lord. And we know the Word tells us that God will give us the desires of our heart if we delight ourselves in Him (Psalm 37:4). When we yield, we decrease and we allow Him to increase. In those moments we hear from Him more clearly.

If you still need help getting started, check out my Caregiver’s Prayer. You’ll be surprised at how just a few minutes a day in prayer can increase your intimacy with God (Romans 12:12).

2. Journal

Journaling can be therapeutic on many different levels. Taking time out on a regular basis to write out your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations can be a great stress relief. Journaling can help to reflect on all your prayers, scriptures you may have recently read, or your life in general. I like to think of it as just another means to communicate with God.

As discussed above, it’s also a good time to write out your prayers and your petitions to God. I often find that writing out my desires to God and looking back 30 days, three months, pr even a year later absolutely blows my mind.

I oftentimes find that God has been listening to every minor detail and it reminds me just how much he cares for me. My circumstances aren’t always drastically different, sometimes they are better, sometimes they are worse, but I see just how gracious God has been in sustaining me and keeping me through it all.

It Doesn’t have to be anything special, you can just grab some paper or a notebook. I sometimes just write in the notes app on my cellphone to keep prayers at my fingertips.

3. Read Your Bible

Oftentimes we are looking for a loud booming voice to tell us exactly what to do or perhaps a cloud, or burning bush to let us know exactly what God wants us to do in any given situation, but we now know that God is the Word.

God has given us 66 books of instruction to utilize. He’s given us a road map for life, we just forget to use it. So carve out some time each day to read the Word of God, and find out what He really has to say to you.

Don’t get overwhelmed with in-depth Bible studies starting out, consider just starting off with a 1 to 2 year Bible reading plan. If that is too daunting, consider one of the very short Bible plans provided by YouVersion.com. You can utilize these plans on your Bible cellphone app, anywhere, anytime.

You’ll be amazed at how just a few minutes a day can increase your understanding of God and His plan for you. As you get more comfortable, then you can branch out into more in-depth bible studies. Study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15).

4. Find Other Believers

I know being a caregiver is difficult and getting out of the house isn’t always easy, but if you can find some time to surround yourself with other believers and enjoy corporate worship, with other like-minded people, you’ll find yourself refreshed and recharged, ready to take on the many challenges caregivers face. If you have a church home, great! If not, consider looking for a new church home or Bible study group. If you are absolutely housebound, as a caregiver, consider online groups and churches. Forsake not the fellowship (Hebrews 10:25).

5. Listen to Worship Music

Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” There are so many benefits to listening to worship music. It renews and strengthens, increases our faith, and reminds us of just how good God is. Music isn’t just good for us, but it’s also good for the ones we’re caring for. Music can be energizing, provide stress relief, mental clarity, and an overall happier mode. Who couldn’t use a dose of all of those things?

In Summary

In summary, carve out some time each day to talk to God in Prayer, hear from God by reading His Word, and reflect through journaling. Lift your spirit and your loved ones, while lifting praises to God through worship music and don’t forget to connect with other believers. So now that you’re armed with supernatural powers, grab your capes and give care gracefully.

For more tips on making your life as a caregiver easier, check out my post on top must-do’s for caregivers.

Don’t forget to get your copy of my FREE 7-day prayer journal, filled with inspirational prayers. If you a have already received your my 7-day prayer journal. Check out my 31 Days of Prayer for Caregivers.

I would love to hear from you in the comments. Let me know some of your favorite scriptures or worship songs to stay encouraged. If you know of someone who would benefit from this post, please share it and don’t forget to pin it.

Be Bless,