Slow down just don’t stop moving.
Good day beautiful people
It’s been a very long time since the last post. This time of the year has been a very busy one and in the midst of the busyness I’ve learnt the importance of taking care of my health (spiritual, emotional and mental). Don’t neglect the temple that God gave you. Don’t overwork it too hard to the point of exhaustion neither should you become complacent (don’t stop praying/seeking God and don’t stop doing the right thing).
Galatians 6:9 ~ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Sometimes one can find themselves doing too much, and because of this one is unable to give their best with what they put their hands to do because they’re joggling too much and something eventually gives way (a dreadful scenario would be your health failing you because of stress. Stress has many negative effects on the human body). Sometimes we can end up doing too much because we want to prove we are capable to the watching world or even our own selves. We have a strong desire to convince our own self that our contributions are valuable and our work matters. And we may even try to force timelines which God never set out for us e.g. ‘I must own my own property before I’m 30’.
It’s very important to be able to identify potential warning signs of burnout. A telltale sign that you’re overdoing it is when you come to realise that you don’t have enough time to look after yourself let alone having time for others. Your prayer life begins to go down hill and you try to squeeze in time with God whenever you get a spare minute and that’s if you can do so! Do remember that maintaining work life balance is a continually journey not a once in a blue moon thing, this is because in life you are constantly being bombarded with changes e.g. a new boss at work, a new home, a new addition to the family, the changing needs of a growing infant or ageing parent, a change in working hours, moving countries etc. But in all this we must learn to trust in God, and depend on Him for He is our solid Rock.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ~ We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
Some simple steps we can take to avoid going into overdrive.
1. Slow down/take it easy: Please remember that it’s ok to take a break. Being able to enjoy rest is a great blessing from God. God understands that we’re human and knows that we experience moments of weakness. God created the sabbath day because He knows it’s what our bodies need. God rested on the seventh day of creation.
Genesis 2:2-3 ~ “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.”
Psalm 127:2 ~ It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
2. Learn to enjoy the moment: It’s good to enjoy the fruit of your labour. Sometimes we can get so caught up in climbing up the ladder that we forget to thank God for how far we’ve come. It’s good to pause and acknowledge your growth because there may have been a time in your life when you prayed to be where you are at right now!
Ecclesiastes 3:13 ~ And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
3. Learn to say no: No is such a powerful word, and learning to say that two letter word has the potential to save you A LOT of time, effort and energy. As Christian’s we’re to say no to sin or anything which is contrary to God’s word. Not all activities we engage in are beneficial so it’s always important for us to pray to God to give us the ability to discern from that which is good (ok) and that which is beneficial! Prayer is key. When one doesn’t learn to say no it can lead to others taking advantage of their kindness and abusing their time. Time is such a precious commodity.
1 Corinthians 10:23 ~ You say, “I am allowed to do anything” but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything” but not everything is beneficial.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 ~ Too much activity gives you restless dreams; too many words make you a fool.
4. Stay focused (prioritise): I think it’s very easy to lose focus when you’ve got a lot going on. Learn to set specific goals instead of trying to complete multiple projects all at the same time. This will only lead to increased levels of stress. Also ensure that you stay organised by planning in advance. Leaving everything last minute (which I’m guilty of, I’m super relaxed/chilled) dramatically increases one’s stress levels especially when things you thought you had under control are actually not under your control at all. Being able to manage your time is key!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 ~ For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
5. Speak to a trusted individual: Get help don’t struggle alone. Find a trusted confidant to share your concerns with. I’m a big advocate for Christian counselling, it’s good practice to share your concerns with a professional who you can trust rather than bottling up and then exploding.
James 5:16 ~ Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
6. Be realistic: I think this point may be hard to stomach for many of us, but I think it’s really important for us to be practical when making plans. When we are honest with ourselves when it comes to setting targets we relieve ourselves of unnecessary pressure! Set goals that are achievable and in line with God’s will for your life. Ask God for wisdom so that you become a great steward of the time and resources which He gives you so that you can make the most of every opportunity.
Ephesians 5:15-17 ~ “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
7. Know truth (know who God says you are): It’s very important for you to know who you are in Christ. This is so that you do not believe the lies of Satan or let the unhelpful opinions of others determine how you feel about yourself or how you should live!
John 1:12 ~ But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
1 John 3:1 ~ See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.
Philippians 4:13 ~ For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
8. Pray: The Holy Spirit is your Guide and the best helper. Commit every decision you’d like to make before The Lord in prayer! God cares about every detail of your life and He loves you SO much! Always remember that God want’s the best for you and you can communicate with Him whenever or wherever. He is available 24/7.
Psalm 145:18-19 ~ The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
Psalm 37:23 ~ The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Well I hope you enjoyed today’s write up and I pray that God continues to give you wisdom so that you follow His instructions and make the best choices for your life. Remember God wants the very best for you.
Love from
Christian Lady After God’s Own Heart 💜
