busyness — Devotions — Kristine Brown, Author

How do you prepare for a busy season? There are times when we realize we need to step back from some of our commitments because we sense ourselves getting overwhelmed with the busyness of it all.

There are also those times when even though we have a full schedule, there is still more to be done and no time to take a break. Sometimes that’s just the way it is. We’d like to say no, but in that busy season, we need to keep saying yes...at least for a little while.

In order to be ready for those busy seasons, we need to get our hearts and minds prepared. In the past, I’ve been known to say yes to things, but with the wrong attitude behind it. The yes that’s void of power and purpose.

My mouth says yes, but my heart stays in the no-zone. I start off with negative thinking, which makes the whole job seem impossible.

The Power to Prepare for a Busy Season

No one is volunteering to help me. I guess I’m going to have to do it all myself - again.

I don’t know why I agreed to do this in the first place.

This is so much work, and I can’t get any help. What was I thinking? This will never work.

Do any of these thoughts sound familiar? What I’ve realized (or learned the hard way) is that those negative thoughts snuff out the power of the Holy Spirit that God makes available to us. My words speak failure instead of what God says about me. God says I’m…

More than a conqueror.

Victorious.

Highly favored.

Blessed.

In her book Anchored In, my friend Micah Maddox says this.

“Once we change the way we look at the power in our lives, we will change the way we look at everything.”

Micah’s words have inspired me to reclaim the power God so freely gives to me. Yes, there are definitely times when we need to step back and let God refill us. But if you’re in a busy season when several things on your to-do list are happening at once, be encouraged. God is ready and willing to supply you with the power you need to persevere!

How to Prepare for a Busy Season

Sometimes the answer needs to be no. But when the answer is yes, don’t let it be a yes with grumbling and doubtful thinking. Let it be a yes, knowing God’s power is with us.

One of my favorite quotes from the Anchored book is this:

“When our hearts are filled with God’s Word, God’s Word flows from our mouths. When we speak His words, we experience His power in our lives.”

Let’s speak God’s Word today over every commitment on our schedules, no matter how seemingly overwhelming they may be. Let’s remind ourselves that we are victorious in Him and renew our connection with His unending power.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

For more information about Anchored In by Micah Maddox, click the image below.

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Our little dog Bandit loves to chase his ball. In fact, I'd say he's obsessed with it. No matter how many other toys we give him, he will always choose that faded green rubber ball.

Bandit wants everyone to throw his ball, so he can fetch it. He will chase it over and over and over, until he physically wears himself out. His little body gets so wound up, it's like a battery that gets more charge with each throw.

You'd think he would know when to stop, but he doesn't. We finally have to say 'no more' so he will rest.

It reminds me of how I get sometimes.

Projects. Things to do. A full calendar. I like being busy.

So much so in fact, that I can't sit down to watch a favorite TV show if I look over and see a pile of clutter on the table. I have to get up and deal with the clutter right then.

Because in order to relax, I need to feel like I've gotten something accomplished first. The problem is that I've never stopped to define the word accomplished.

Focusing on the unfinished tasks around me drives me to an unhealthy state of frustration, that eventually ends in what I like to call 'flip-out' mode. I've become very adept at keeping the flipping out inside myself and not letting the frustration fly into the face of those around me, but keeping it inside isn't the best solution.

Because when I hold it in, I'm not dealing with the root of the issue.

In her book Doing Busy Better, Glynnis Whitwer writes about how God wanted to teach the Israelites how to rest by giving them the commandment regarding the Sabbath. In her book, she says,

"God wanted to heal their hearts and minds from generations of bondage, and that would only come through dependence on One who was completely trustworthy."

The Israelites had lived as slaves for generations in bondage. They needed to learn balance. They needed to learn how to rest.

I love Glynnis' words in the image above. "God modeled a simplicity of work that feels refreshing and focused." The Israelites had to unlearn years of behaving as slaves. And just like them, we may not know how to find the right balance of work and rest in our own lives.

That's why we need the wisdom of God's Word and His gentle hand to guide us.

I've enjoyed reading Glynnis' book Doing Busy Better this summer. Her teaching has inspired me to find balance, and to quit chasing that ball over and over until I wear myself out.

Even those of us who are wired for work can learn how to rest.