A college student stares blankly at a computer screen. After seven typed pages in New Time Roman font double spaced with 1in margins, three discussion boards, two quizzes, and a 2 page 35 question study guide for the test in the morning their brain function has come to a complete halt.
There comes a point in the night when no more information is going into the mind and sleep really is the only option. The next morning will consist of a five minute shower, coffee, and whatever can be unwrapped and eaten in the car on the way to class.
Can you relate? Stress is something that most every adult will face. Some face high levels of stress and some live in a consistent low level but at some point we all feel the pressures of life. The question then is how are we to deal with it? Other than laying down in a fit of exhaustion on the warm side walk and publically napping.
In our hectic world the consistent attitude seems to be that the more that I can cram into my schedule and accomplish the better off I will be. Sometimes we hate to disappoint the people around us and the answer we give them to anything they ask us to do is "yes." This includes our bosses, our fathers, our mothers, and our children. But as anyone who has to manage a tight schedule must know, sometimes the answer should be "no."
No I cannot go to this meeting, no I cannot finish this paper tonight, and no I cannot go out with you for dinner. Sometimes we have to weigh our priorities and everything and everyone who is not at the top of the list will simply have to understand. After all there are only so many hours in the day.
What I find is that the person who struggles with saying "no" is dealing with a self-worth issue. They take it so personal when they cannot do everything and make everyone happy. That is where they draw they’re self-worth and value. The truth is that being extremely busy is not biblical. It is not the full life that God has for us.
During your lifetime and as you learn about good time management you will learn that it will not be the end of the world if someone has to wait. Patience is indeed virtue and people pleasing will wear you out. It will steal your joy and take you from time that belongs to God. The connection which we have with God vertically will affect the relationships we have with people horizontally.
If you are confident in your relationship with God in Christ then his opinion is the only one that matters. Sometimes God will ask you to just sit still and listen to him. While the world is screaming at you and telling you that the only way to get it done is to make something happen.
What I have found is that I accomplish twice as much with half the effort when I do it the way God wants. Fasting and resting in him are two of the most effective stress relieving tactics I have ever practiced. The bible says to taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalms 34:8)
So try it out. Fast for a day and take some time with him. Even if the world is in chaos around you. It will be worth your time and will give you a fresh perspective. And maybe you just need to tell a few people "no." You’ll be calmer, you’ll have more joy, and you’ll get more done at a quality level.
