Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the things you are doing, all the things you could do, and all the things you want to do?
Recently there have been so many opportunities to join courses, groups, and challenges. Everyone says, “Join us! We’re offering such a great opportunity.”
I have felt quite overwhelmed with all the things I am already committed to, in addition to all the things I would like to add to my life.
I was learning so much all at once that I wasn’t sure if I could apply all the spiritual things had been studying. It was overwhelming.
Then I came across a verse that encouraged me to rest in Jesus.
Jesus was telling His disciples of His coming death. He told them that He would be leaving them soon. They didn’t understand and their hearts were filled with sadness. Jesus wanted to teach them many things, but He said,
“I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:12-13a
See the compassion and understanding of Jesus! He knows that in our human weakness we cannot bear all the things He would like to teach us all at once. He knows we must be guided by His Spirit.
So if you have been feeling overwhelmed and pressured to learn and grow all at once, know that Jesus will guide you as a gentle Shepherd.
Rest like a Sheep
Christ calls us His sheep. He uses this example in many of His teachings and parables.
King David, a shepherd and psalmist wrote,
“Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3
Let’s take a look at the life of a sheep.
Sheep are ruminants. They have a unique digestive system. They have four chambers in their stomach.
“Ruminants eat rapidly, swallowing much of their feedstuffs without chewing it sufficiently.”
Similar to cows, sheep chew cud. Chewing cud takes time. It is like a second digestion. The sheep will only chew cud if they feel safe. They lie down to ruminate.
Like sheep, we must lie down in green pastures and rest beside still waters. We must take time to chew on the precepts of Christ and to digest the truths that we are learning. It is easy to become distracted. We can forget to thoroughly take in what God is teaching us.
Remember that Jesus knows we can’t bear everything all at once. Be gracious with yourself and don’t try to overload your brain with too much content. Sometimes we try to eat too rapidly!
Use Your Time Wisely
Sheep spend approximately one third of their time grazing, one third chewing cud (ruminating), and another third idling, neither grazing nor ruminating.
This fact gave me perspective. Despite my great desire to learn and grow, it is not realistic for me to take in as much content as I would like. I need time to meditate on the truth. If I am constantly grazing on information, it is impossible to apply the material to my life.
We must take time to meditate and chew the word of God if we want it to change our lives.
However, I don’t recommend idling like a sheep! We can feed on unhelpful or even toxic content. This is such a waste of time and mental energy.
Recently, I noticed myself scrolling through memes. As a few minutes added up to hours, I realized how unsatisfied I was. I wasn’t using my time wisely.
Memes leave you hungry for more, but delighting in Jesus leaves you full to the brim.
Just like a well balanced meal keeps you satisfied for hours, so does time spent in God’s word.
Yet because of who He is, your heart craves more. You return to the feast, because you know you can find joy and completeness at His table.
Fleshly pleasures are like chips; at the time they taste great, but they leave you empty because they’re mostly air. You want more and more, but you are never satisfied. The pleasure of chips is so temporary! Time spent looking at memes or social media will never satisfy our heart’s desire. Any activity that indulges our flesh leaves us empty and hungry for more.
Spend your time resting in Jesus. You are the sheep of His pasture. Graze on His word. Then lie down beside the still waters and know that the Lord, He is God.
Commit to One Thing
There are so many things we can commit ourselves to. There are millions of opportunities and activities. All these things can become overwhelming. How can we possibly commit ourselves to all the things we want to do?
I would encourage you to commit to just one thing.
Commit yourself to pursuing Christ.
You will never regret this. Let all other commitments fall away. Prioritize Christ.
Don’t sign up for another course right now. It’s okay.
Take action:
- Graze on His word. He is the only thing that will satisfy you.
- Refuse to waste your time and energy on worthless things. Don’t idle! Remember, you have access to Christ’s grace and authority to resist every temptation.
- Allow the Spirit to guide you into truth. Know that God is gracious and knows what you can bear.
- Take time to be still and meditate on the truths that God is teaching you. Chew your cud!
- Rest in Him and know that He is your Shepherd who cares for you and understands your every need.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
Cheering you on, Roses!
A daughter of the King, Gabriella loves to share the teaching that the Lord has given her through the joys and trials of her life. The desire of her heart is to grow her love, knowledge, and maturity for Christ and the truth found in His Word.
Amazing post Gabriella!
Thank you Emily!
I needed this. Thank you
hugs Trudy, we are so grateful, even when we cry with you, because we HATE how Satan attacks God’s daughters.