Presented by Lauren Stibgen

We have been talking about how much time we spend at work—one-third of our waking hours—and the social friendships and connections we may or may not have there. Like me, you may be just too exhausted to even think about being social at work! After all, sometimes these connections require even more of your time, and your calendar outside of work can be just as busy.

Spending time with other Christian working women reminds me all working women—Christian or not—feel the burdens of the elusive work/life balance more than their male counterparts. A 2024 Gallup poll found 51% of women compared to 39% of men feel stressed at work.[1] Women are more likely to juggle personal items during work hours, which also adds to this. Women are balancing work, caregiving, health, and perhaps additional education opportunities making their days long. Making time for more social connections often feels like another thing they just cannot add to their day.

Being too exhausted to engage socially is impacting more than just social connections for women; it is also impacting their opportunities for promotion. A study by Leanin.org found women are less likely to be promoted than men, partly because they participate less in informal social interactions.[2]

Our Savior Jesus was sometimes too exhausted for more social engagement too! Hebrews 4:15 reminds us we have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Jesus experienced weariness too. In fact, his exhaustion is one of the things that lead to the interaction with the woman at the well.

Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon (John 4:6).

Jesus had sent the disciples ahead to bring back food to him, and he was alone. Wearied in the Bible refers to deep physical and emotional exhaustion. We know Jesus was facing both. And I am sure this resonates with you. Your physical body and emotional state are just gassed.

Knowing Jesus felt the same way, what habits did he engage? Jesus went to his Father for refreshment. We see this repeatedly in the gospels.

Luke 5:16 and 6:12 tell us Jesus withdrew and went up to a mountain to be in prayer with God. We also read this in Mark 1:35 .

When you feel too exhausted to connect socially, connect with God in prayer. Take time to bring your burdens to the Lord. Pray for the right connections and interactions. Pray for balance and refreshment. Pray for the right opportunities at work. After all, God is your best social interaction.

—

[1] Barry, K. (2024, December 4). More Than a Program: A Culture of Women’s Wellbeing at Work. Gallup.com; Gallup. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/653843/program-culture-women-wellbeing-work.aspx

[2] Women in the Workplace. (n.d.). Lean In. Retrieved September 29, 2025, from https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace/2018/women-get-less-support-less-access-at-work