Not too Busy

We have a crazy week this week.  With Mum heading up the church carols and the girls' violin concert approaching and just the things that pop up, as well as school and keeping the house relatively presentable ;), we are flat out like a lizard drinking (as Mum would say. :))

Be still, and know that I am God... (Psalm 46:10)

We can so often get caught up in the thirty-two appointments on this day, and the fifty-seven requirements that have to be met tomorrow, that we forget to stand back and look at the whole picture.  What are we actually trying to achieve, and are we giving God glory by the way we are doing it?  I don't think that rushing around from place to place, telling everyone how stressed you are, how busy you are, etc. gives glory to God.  If we were really trusting God with our day and our time, then we would be able to sit down and encourage someone who needs it, or listen to someone who just wants to 'download'.  Psalm 119:143 says (NLT) "As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands."  When you're stressed about anything, just whispering the Word of God over to yourself helps to put everything in perspective.  God is God - nothing can change that.  Sometimes you might have to say it a bit louder to reassure yourself.  You may have to shout the words out.  (Contrary to what many people believe, God doesn't mind loud noises, and shouting out Hid Word won't bother Him! :))

Another thing to keep in mind is why you are striving so hard.  What is the purpose of it?  If the purpose is to promote self, then it could probably be deleted from the list of to-dos.  But if the purpose is to build the kingdom of the King, to extend out to the community - to glorify and honor the Name of our God, then it is all worth the rush and hurry it took.

Keeping our eyes on the eternal goal is the key to doing a busy week (or month or year, or whatever!)

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
But you would not, 

 And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses”—
Therefore you shall flee!
And, “We will ride on swift horses”—
Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift!

(Isaiah 30:15-16)

Accept God's offer of rest and strength - He knows we need it and has prepared it for us.  Don't run away with your to-do list: leave room for God on it and He will sustain you through your busy day. 

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”  - Martin  Luther