Being Still - The Key to Overcoming Overwhelm
For many of us busy is the norm. With so many demands on our time it's easy to become overwhelmed with [seemingly] no time to sit still before God. Sometimes I become so pre-occupied with the things God has called me to do that spending time with Him gets lost in the shuffle.
This summer (outside of working full time) I wrote for two blogs, led a small group, and prepared to start an online business. My life felt like the ultimate juggling act. I know God called me to do all of those things, but I became overwhelmed. I doubted myself and my abilities, and eventually felt completely incapable.
So I took a step back and re-evaluated everything I was doing. I'm running the race marked out for me with God's guidance, so why do I feel so lost?Occasionally we all need to ask ourselves this - In the pursuit of following my calling am I still following God? Or have you grabbed the baton from his hand and ran far ahead; growing tired and out of breath from paving your own way. That was my issue. I was trying to do accomplish everything in my time and strength.[easy-tweet tweet="Occasionally we all need to ask ourselves this - In the pursuit of following my calling am I still following God?"]Truth is we are not called to do things we could easily accomplish in our own strength. We're called to do things that are beyond our ability so that God will be glorified as his power works through us.The only way to handle the weight of our calling and responsibilities is to surrender control. Trusting God with our life requires trusting him with every step of the journey.How do we do this? By prioritizing time to be still in God’s presence despite our circumstances and schedule.
Related Post: When our time with God is in order, the rest of our world will follow.
Otherwise, we will surely become overwhelmed trying to handle what only God can manage. Each of us are purposed to do multiple things, but the key is knowing what to prioritize at the right time.When we’re constantly moving our focus is constantly shifting. It becomes harder to see what God is doing and what he wants us to focus on.When we quiet ourselves before God we separate ourselves from the noise of life. This allows us to better hear his voice, and allows God to refresh and strengthen us. As His strength becomes our own we’ll find that we can handle more than we thought possible.
The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. - Psalm 29:11
I'll be the first to admit that it can be a struggle to find time to be still, but it's crucial. Regardless of what season of life you're in you need to stay rooted in Jesus.
Related Post: Our focus determines our balance
Without God our pursuits are pointless, but with God our pursuits have purpose and we gain his peace that transcends all understanding.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.The Lord works out everything to its proper end - Proverbs 16:3-4