Have you ever felt like the more you do the more there is to do? It seems as if the pile keeps getting higher rather than lower; the working hours get longer and longer although you’re working harder and harder? All of us have been there and some of you may be there now. You have gotten yourself on a treadmill and you’re running at an unrealistic and unsustainable pace. If you continue you will burn out, pass out, stress out, and probably become depressed. How do you get off the treadmill? The answer is to simplify your life by seeking first the kingdom of God. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Stop trying to justify it by saying, “after all I’m doing God’s work, work for the Kingdom”. As I said before simply your life by “seeking the Kingdom” not by simply “working for the Kingdom”
Think about the times when you’re exhausted or completely drained and empty; during those times you have nothing else to give to anyone or anything. What does that feel like?
My guess is that you feel resentment. You resent something or someone. Martha resented her sister Mary when Jesus was visiting their home. Martha was busy being the perfect hostess, making sure that everybody had everything that they needed, running around making sure that everybody was happy. Mary, on the other hand was spending time listening to Jesus. Martha was upset.
Luke 10:38-40 (NKJV) 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
To Martha it was like “Jesus, don’t you care that my sister isn’t helping me? After all I’m trying to prepare for you and your disciples.”
How does Jesus respond?
Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Instead of shaking your fist at the world and those around you because you have worked yourself into a lather or continuing to complain that you don’t have any help, it’s time to sit and spend some time with God meditating on His word. We all, me included, want to get it all done right now and if nobody is there to help us, we become resentful, not realizing that we are the ones putting the pressure on ourselves to get it all done. The answer may just be to let whatever it is you’re doing wait or even go undone until you spend some time in a quite undisturbed conversation with Jesus.
Psalm 119:15 (NKJV) I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Think back to a time when your life was simpler. You were rested, creative, playful, and prayerful. It’s possible to recapture that time.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
'
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
We can only do it through the Holy Spirit. I'm praying that you can continue to stay strong, that you really allow the Holy Spirit to hold you. Let go and trust everything to God.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Simplicity is a gift of God.
A gift given so that we might see the value in seeking Him first in all things. Whenever you are overwhelmed and tempted to think and think about a problem until you worry yourself sick, here’s a prayer written by Kristine Brown.
Dear Lord,
I’ve been worrying again. I’ve let my problems consume me, and I’ve forgotten to give my cares to you in prayer. Forgive me, Lord, for focusing too much on my circumstances. Help me stop overthinking everything and trust you in all things.
I know you created me with unique traits and abilities. I want to help and to serve others, but my overthinking can get in the way. I spend time trying to solve problems rather than trusting you. Help me remember the truth of your promises when I’m tempted to worry. Help me remember to, “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
You are a loving and faithful Father. Your Word show me that, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thinking about your faithfulness brings joy and peace to my weary heart. Stress fades away when I focus on who you are rather than on my problems. I trust you in all things because you are good. Have your way in my life, God.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Don't overthink it!
Stop trying to justify it by saying, “after all I’m doing God’s work, work for the Kingdom”. As I said before simply your life by “seeking the Kingdom” not by simply “working for the Kingdom”
Think about the times when you’re exhausted or completely drained and empty; during those times you have nothing else to give to anyone or anything. What does that feel like?
My guess is that you feel resentment. You resent something or someone. Martha resented her sister Mary when Jesus was visiting their home. Martha was busy being the perfect hostess, making sure that everybody had everything that they needed, running around making sure that everybody was happy. Mary, on the other hand was spending time listening to Jesus. Martha was upset.
Luke 10:38-40 (NKJV) 38 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
To Martha it was like “Jesus, don’t you care that my sister isn’t helping me? After all I’m trying to prepare for you and your disciples.”
How does Jesus respond?
Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Instead of shaking your fist at the world and those around you because you have worked yourself into a lather or continuing to complain that you don’t have any help, it’s time to sit and spend some time with God meditating on His word. We all, me included, want to get it all done right now and if nobody is there to help us, we become resentful, not realizing that we are the ones putting the pressure on ourselves to get it all done. The answer may just be to let whatever it is you’re doing wait or even go undone until you spend some time in a quite undisturbed conversation with Jesus.
Psalm 119:15 (NKJV) I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Think back to a time when your life was simpler. You were rested, creative, playful, and prayerful. It’s possible to recapture that time.
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
'
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
We can only do it through the Holy Spirit. I'm praying that you can continue to stay strong, that you really allow the Holy Spirit to hold you. Let go and trust everything to God.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Simplicity is a gift of God.
A gift given so that we might see the value in seeking Him first in all things. Whenever you are overwhelmed and tempted to think and think about a problem until you worry yourself sick, here’s a prayer written by Kristine Brown.
Dear Lord,
I’ve been worrying again. I’ve let my problems consume me, and I’ve forgotten to give my cares to you in prayer. Forgive me, Lord, for focusing too much on my circumstances. Help me stop overthinking everything and trust you in all things.
I know you created me with unique traits and abilities. I want to help and to serve others, but my overthinking can get in the way. I spend time trying to solve problems rather than trusting you. Help me remember the truth of your promises when I’m tempted to worry. Help me remember to, “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
You are a loving and faithful Father. Your Word show me that, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Thinking about your faithfulness brings joy and peace to my weary heart. Stress fades away when I focus on who you are rather than on my problems. I trust you in all things because you are good. Have your way in my life, God.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Don't overthink it!
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