picturesfromheaven

Just Say "No!"

Picture…a movie clip in fast speed of a desk piling up with work to the point that stuff is falling off the side and then a never-ending to-do list with dozens of items being added for every one thing that is being crossed off. I’m sure that this picture is probably more for me than for you. I have been having one of those kinds of weeks where the harder I try to keep up with the work load, the farther behind I have been getting. I was telling the Lord this morning that when these projects are finished, we will have more time together.

Hear: The Lord answered me with the picture I just described and the words, “What makes you think that life is ever going to be easier?”

Consider: Perhaps this seems harsh, but I think the Lord was trying to give me a wake-up call. As long as I keep adding to my list without consulting Him, as long as I keep trying to get everything done in my own strength and with my own ability, as long as I keep putting off my time with Him in order to get ministry done, nothing is going to change in my life. I will continue to be overworked, continue to be stressed by that workload and continue to neglect my quiet time with the Lord. I will continue to be exhausted, frustrated and lacking in joy. If there are any other perfectionists, with workaholic tendencies out there, this word is for you too. I know that I am speaking to a lot of you because business has become an epidemic in the American church. We are so task and success oriented that just sitting and meditating infuses us with a nagging sense of guilt. We think that if we are not in constant motion that we are wasting time. We have forgotten the benefits of meditation and alone time. We have forgotten how to listen to the sounds of silence. God never intended for us to live in such a fast pace. He doesn’t want His children to always be worn out and irritated. Our busy, hectic lives will never change; never get better, until we do. Consider the following exercises that may help you to slow down enough to smell the roses, or at least get back the joy that God ordained that you should have.

• Schedule a silence fast. During this fast unplug. Do not watch TV, use technology or even listen to music. Schedule moments during the fast where you just sit and listen to God, and the sounds of His creation.
• Do not put anything on your to-do lists until you have first cleared it with God. Obviously, the laundry needs to be done, the house needs to be cleaned, the kid’s home work done and dinner put on the table. But maybe not all at once. And maybe, just maybe your child does not need to be driven to 5 different extracurricular activities. Before you schedule anything, ask God about it. Make sure you pray at the beginning of your day and to ask God what He would be most pleased with you doing. Ask Him what doesn’t need to be done that day and if anything can be done easier.
• When someone asks you to do something, don’t immediately say, “yes.” Tell them you will pray about it or consider it. If it is going to stretch you too thin, or if you get the feeling that it isn’t something that is going to get God’s nod of approval, go back to the person and “JUST SAY NO!” It may be hard at first to frame the word, but you will be surprised at how liberating it will become to use.
  
  Pray: “Lord, I am truly sorry that I have allowed myself to get so overworked that it has robbed me of enjoying my relationships, especially with you. I am not going to blame any person, because I am the one ultimately responsible for myself. I ask that you forgive me and help me to do better in this area of my life. Help me to discern the difference between what is important and what is needed; what is good and what is God ordained. If you will help me, I will slow down so that I can hear your voice and do the things that you want me to do through out my day. I love you more than anything and I want to please you in every area of my life. But I admit that I can’t do this on my own. I need your help. Help me to recognize that busy doesn’t mean successful…and to cut down on my activities…in Jesus name, Amen.”

posted by pastorc @ 9:24 AM