How to Deal With Overload

By Mike Henry Sr.

Experiencing Overload

During the Christmas holiday season, I often experience overload. Daily work consists of the usual deadlines and things I must complete before the end of the month or by a certain time. At this time, add presents, events, and family commitments to the normal load. And under the pressure, I feel the stress. What does overload cause you to do?

“And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Luke 12:29-31 NASB

Jesus is speaking about worry. Just before this he was talking about greed. You probably think you don’t worry or practice greed. I often think someone else worries more than me or is more ruthless in their pursuit of money than me. I don’t think I’m the person Jesus was talking to when I read these verses. But I also know better…

Do you have too much to do? I have a note in my journal from years past about difficult  pressure at work. I remember dreading the pressure to get something done, or solve some problem. But now, after several years, I don’t remember exactly what the problem was. I don’t even work at that job any more, not because of this either. I notice several entries with prayers about other distant memories. Some problems were solved. Others simply went away. I have forgotten many.

We Worry Because We Like to Be in Control

Worry is within our control. When I seek God’s kingdom – his rule and his direction – my eyes leave my own problems and focus on his desires for me.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20 NASB

When I solve my own problems, I get results according to my own strength. My strength directly impacts my results. But I want results that are in line with God’s riches and power, so I have to wait for him to work. I need to seek God’s kingdom and wait for his outcome and then I get to experience results “according to” the power of God rather than the power of Mike.

Default Kingdom Thoughts

Seeking God’s kingdom means that I think about my relationship with God. I pursue what God wants. My default worries and thoughts are about my kingdom. But when I seek and work toward God’s kingdom, and do what he wants, all “these things” happen, too. God is glorified in my situation and my load and my burden lift.

I do this by praying and reciting Scripture, and spending time with others who do the same. Writing these thoughts helps me focus less on things threatening to overload me, more on him and his direction, too.

What do you do to help you re-center yourself on God’s will and kingdom in the midst of your work pressure? What other ideas might you offer? Please share below and let others know how you deal with the feeling of being overloaded and overwhelmed.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

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