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"I just want to retire and do nothing."

If you've ever had that thought—if it's the voice in your head as you drag yourself through another exhausting workday—this episode is for you.

Maybe you're 58, 62, or 65. You've spent decades in demanding work—manufacturing, nursing, teaching, construction, management. Jobs that took everything from you. You wake up tired. You go to bed tired. Weekends aren't enough to recover.

And when people talk about "purposeful retirement" or "finding your next calling," something inside you screams: "I JUST WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE."

Here's what you need to know: God hears you. Your exhaustion is real. And wanting rest is not a spiritual failure.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why your exhaustion is valid (and not weakness)
• What happened when the prophet Elijah told God "I've had enough"
• What God is NOT saying to exhausted workers
• The "Bell Lap" principle for finishing your career with dignity
• What you're REALLY longing for when you say "I want to do nothing"
• Five practical steps for making it to retirement with your soul intact
• How to seek support when you have nothing left to give

BONUS: Free Prayer Guide for the Exhausted Worker

I've created a 30-minute guided prayer experience using the ancient practice of the Examen, adapted specifically for those exhausted by work. It will help you bring your troubles directly to God and discern His direction for your unique situation.

Download FREE: finishwell.faithdrivenfinance.com

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction: "I Just Want to Do Nothing" 1:55 - The Reality of Exhaustion 3:18 - Biblical Examples: Elijah & Job 5:44 - What God Is NOT Saying 6:56 - What God IS Saying (4 Key Messages) 7:02 - Message #1: Come to Me and Rest 8:19 - Message #2: Let's Finish This Chapter Well 8:45 - Van's Running Story: The Bell Lap Principle 11:29 - Message #3: What You're Really Longing For 12:39 - Message #4: Rest Is Coming 13:57 - Pastoral Word: To Those Nearly Broken 17:07 - Five Practical Steps You Can Take Now 20:44 - The Prayer Guide Offer 22:09 - Closing Encouragement

KEY SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

• Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened"
• 1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah under the broom tree
• Job 3:1-3 - Job's honest lament
• Hebrews 12:1 - Running with perseverance
• Isaiah 46:4 - God sustains us even to old age
• Psalm 92:14 - Bearing fruit in old age
• Philippians 4:6-7 - Present your requests to God
• Proverbs 15:22 - Plans succeed with many advisers

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

FREE Prayer Guide for the Exhausted Worker finishwell.faithdrivenfinance.com

• 30-minute guided Examen prayer experience
• Adapted for workplace exhaustion
• No email required - just help when you need it

Faith Driven Finance Community facebook.com/faithdrivenfinance

• Connect with believers navigating similar challenges
• Practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement

Contact Van Richards: Email: [email protected] 

ABOUT THIS PODCAST:

The Retirement Learning Lab helps Christians navigate retirement, finances, and purpose in every season of life—with biblical wisdom and practical guidance. Hosted by Van Richards, ChFC®, RICP®.

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Your story matters. You're not alone in this struggle.

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