Looking for peace in the midst of chaos? Too many requests and not enough time. It is all about learning to live in God’s Rest – Letting Go of The Chaos.
Learning to Live in God’s Rest – Letting Go of The Chaos
Most of us struggle with letting go of things we have worked so hard to maintain. We work day in and day out. We do and then do some more. I have said more times than I would like to admit “challenge accepted” to more than one request.
Does this sound familiar?
Life can be hectic and confusing at times. We live for the challenges we face. Taking them head-on.
They are often what keeps us focused on moving forward. Those challenges can keep us focused for sure, but they can also keep us from maintaining the more important aspects of our lives. We keep our eyes on the prize, dropping the little things that are more meaningful.
In the back of my mind, (like most of us) we think, “Yes! I can do this for them.” Thoughts like these may seem familiar.
- We are helping them out. They need the extra hand.
- I want to do it to feel apart.
- By helping them out, it makes me feel useful.
- I am doing it to serve others as God would want me to do.
These are all amazing responses, as we should always be willing to help others in need. But when we are tackling too much, it can be dangerous. Such a strong word, but true.
Let’s Think About This Idea
Why did I choose the word “dangerous”? When our hands are full, it is impossible to grasp onto one more thing. We find out quickly we are drowning and can’t keep our heads above water. As we scramble to find the time and availability to complete each commitment. We not only hurt ourselves but others as well.
It is no fun stringing our loved ones on a journey with us. Especially when the assignment you signed up for doesn’t fall into their schedules. We lose sight of what matters:
- Finding the time to rest in God’s presence.
- Spending time with our family.
- Time to fill our cup up. (not a selfish thought – We are better people when we re-energize)
We accept those requests/challenges only to realize you should not have taken them on in the first place.
What does God say about being present in situations like these?
Only God is the ultimate multi-tasker. As much as we try to keep up with Him, we can’t. I can just picture Him as Jim Carey in the movie “Bruce All-Mighty.”
Sitting down, answering all His prayer requests from His supernatural email with one swift keystroke. While I know He doesn’t need a remote email server to assist in all our prayers, it is fun to just think about how He accomplishes so much. This is a question I can’t wait to ask Him.
Coming from a perfectionist who often takes on too much myself.
We know God’s hands are NEVER full. Let me repeat — His hands are NEVER FULL.
The Bible is full of many examples and scriptures which can lead us to make the right decisions. Knowing only God can be omnipresent puts us in a better position. It is time we must seek His word for direction.
Importance of Spending Time with God -Being In God’s Rest.
As we get wrapped up in the busyness of our own lives, we so often brush Him off. Thinking we don’t have time to spend with God or just not thinking at all. Here we are setting ourselves up for a dangerous situation. There is a spiritual battle going on.
One we can not see, and if not equipped with God’s word, how do we expect to take on the enemy?
In the burdens of worry and stress, we need to look to God for rest.
He tells us in Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God“ The Hebrew word for “Be still” is river. Which literally means to drop or let go. Read this scripture again, replacing “be still” with the Hebrew meaning “let go and know that I am God“. Hmmm… WOW, Right?
We are to stop, drop, and pray.
It is necessary to have a relationship with the one who created us. I challenge you today to stop what you are doing right now (Yes, reading this article) and pray to God. Whatever is on your mind, even if your prayer is short, it doesn’t matter. He knows your heart and wants to hear from you.
How to Know When to Let Go?
If you have been stuck trying to figure out how to let go of some of those things that are keeping you frustratingly busy, I want you to ask yourself ONE question. Just one… I feel if you can be honest with yourself by answering this question; I know you will be able to find a form of direction. Are you ready?
The thing that is keeping you so busy is, “Do you have the time to do it?”
God wants us to enjoy our everyday lives. If we are spending too much time answering requests, burn-out syndrome will eventually occur. John 10:10 says that Jesus died for us so we “may have life and have it abundantly”.
Your good works will not get you into heaven. Believing Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins does. It is a free gift He gave to each one of us. I invite you to Rest in God’s presence. Take on the tasks you have time for and enjoy the life God has blessed you with.
It may be time to just let it go.
If you need more help to find the balance in the chaos; read “Finding Balance and Trusting in God’s Plan“.
Read More on Jen Schreiner
- How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
- Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
- The Power of Godly Friendships – 5 Key Qualities
- Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayers
- 5 Astonishing Facts About God
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