In the past couple of weeks, I have been busier and more overwhelmed than I have been in a long time. I thought that only taking 2 classes and having an internship (and without having soccer workouts on a regular basis) I would have more “free time”. Well I was wrong. I have been finding myself moving from activity to activity, feeling more and more drained each day and praying that I am able to keep my eyes open enough to do everything I need to accomplish. There are so many things that I want to be a part of, but I am getting pulled in so many directions that it becomes overwhelming at times.
In our society, rest is almost looked upon as being lazy; those that have a “busier” schedule are those that look more productive, successful, driven, and hard-working. The gym term “No Days Off” starts to become a reality that makes you feel that resting is wasting time. When I feel busy but can get things done, I feel a sense of accomplishment through checking off the To Do Lists of the day. The more things I can check off my To Do List, the more productive I feel. Multitasking has become such a habit, that I will find that mentality spilling into my quiet time with God. As I sit down to pray or read the Bible, my mind can often become consumed with the To Do Lists of that day and I tend to redirect my attention from God and focus on my own plans. What I am realizing is that I am not letting God take control of my busy schedule. I am trying to get through each day on my own strength and I am miserably failing.
When our lives get crazy where we feel we just can’t get through the day without having a panic attack, God wants us to draw near to Him. And REST in His presence.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10
I have never realized how powerful it is to be still until reading this verse. The result of being still and acknowledging that He is God, and understanding that He is the Creator of the Universe is that His name will be EXALTED all over the earth. According to the dictionary, to exalt is to raise (someone or something) to a higher level, to praise (someone or something) highly, and to present (something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable. When we fall on our knees and rest in His presence, giving Him all of the control and surrendering every moment of the day to Him, He will use His power through us to raise His name up, to be praised, and to be highly favored! The more that we present our weaknesses and difficult situations to Him, He will use those moments and His perfect strength alone to let the whole earth know He is God.
Now that does not mean that we should sit around and rest 24 hours a day. God has an important job for us to do. As Christine Caine said at the Passion Conference this year, we are co-laborers in the good work that God has called us to do. We as Christians have the privilege of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone, whether it’s in our work place, internships, classroom, library, sports field, or at Starbucks. What I am learning is to find purpose in each part of the day, remembering that God has placed me right where I am to do His will. Even throughout the busy schedules, finding time to rest (even if just for 30 mins) and acknowledge God that He is sovereign will help me to tear down the pride of me thinking I can do it all myself and letting God be my strength.
So in the coming weeks, please pray for me that I can find time in my day to spend intimate time with God and that through all the different things that arise, that I may remember that God uses everything in our lives in order to make His name known.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
