God’s Way to Overcome Burnout: Rest, Alignment, and Purpose

Burnout is everywhere. It’s become the default diagnosis for anyone feeling overwhelmed, tired, or stuck. But what if burnout isn’t actually a condition — it’s a consequence?

In The Impossible Life Podcast Ep. 199 | God’s Way to Overcome Burnout: Rest, Alignment, and Purpose, Garrett and Nick unpack why so many people hit the wall emotionally, mentally, and physically — and what it actually takes to break free and thrive.

Spoiler: it’s not more vacations or fewer responsibilities. The real solution to burnout is alignment, purpose, and true rest — the way God designed it.

“Burnout’s not in the Bible. Weariness is. Despair is. But burnout? That’s a modern diagnosis for something spiritual.” — Garrett

1. Alignment: Get Everything Moving in the Same Direction

Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re doing too much — it happens when you’re doing too much that doesn’t align. When your work, schedule, family, and spiritual life are pulling you in opposite directions, exhaustion is inevitable.

Alignment is when everything in your life — your work, relationships, habits, and goals — moves in the same direction. It’s a flow state for your whole life.

“Where you’re going to feel a ton of burnout is where you’re being pulled in all different directions. That’s the opposite of alignment.” — Garrett

Nick shared how, even while leading three businesses, serving at church, raising three kids, and playing Jesus in the Easter production, he’s thriving — not because life is easy, but because it’s aligned. Everything in his life serves the same mission: advancing the Kingdom of God.

When you’re out of alignment, life feels chaotic. When you're in alignment, even full schedules become fulfilling.

“If you don’t have God in His rightful place, you’ll never experience true flow.” — Nick

2. Tension: The Pull of Purpose, Not the Weight of Pressure

Not all stress is bad.

Pressure crushes. Tension pulls. The difference? Tension comes from being connected to a greater purpose.

“Pressure is obligation. Tension is duty. Tension says: I want to do this because it’s meaningful.” — Garrett

Garrett described tension as the resistance that comes when you’re pulled forward by a mission bigger than you. It’s like running sprints with resistance bands — it’s still hard, but it’s not meaningless. It’s purposeful.

“If I’d give my life for this in a moment, then I’m willing to give my life to it over a lifetime.” — Garrett

Many people burn out because they’re chasing comfort or running from pain. But when you’re pulled by purpose — when your life is about something greater than yourself — you can endure far more than you think.

Tension creates growth. Pressure creates collapse. The key is whether you’re connected to something worth suffering for.

3. Rest: A Command, Not a Suggestion

Most people treat rest like a reward — something you earn after grinding long enough. But God didn’t design it that way.

“It’s wild that rest made the Ten Commandments. We take ‘don’t murder’ seriously — but we treat ‘take a Sabbath’ like a suggestion.” — Nick

Rest is spiritual. It’s not just time off — it’s an act of trust.

Jesus said:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30)

Rest isn’t the result of your productivity — it’s the result of your proximity to God.

It doesn’t mean you stop doing hard things. But it does mean you stop trying to carry them alone.

“Rest doesn’t come from your circumstances. Rest comes from God.” — Garrett

Garrett and Nick talked about intentional, scheduled rest — whether it’s a weekly Sabbath, time with family, or activities that recharge you. But more than anything, they emphasized this: rest is a principle of alignment and trust. You’re not the source. God is.

Final Thoughts: Burnout Isn’t Inevitable — It’s Preventable

Burnout is real. But it’s not random. It happens when your life is out of alignment, disconnected from purpose, and cut off from real rest.

God’s solution isn’t to pull you out of your life — it’s to bring order, meaning, and energy into it. Through Him.

So here’s the simple framework:

• Get aligned. Make sure everything in your life is moving toward one mission: honoring God.

• Embrace tension. Don’t fear resistance. Use it to grow — as long as it’s pulling you toward something meaningful.

• Prioritize rest. Plan it. Protect it. Trust that God brings provision while you’re resting in obedience.

“When you live aligned, with purpose, and trust in God for rest — burnout doesn’t stand a chance.” — The Impossible Life