Every morning, many people get up and make a rush to start their day. They take time to refresh themselves, maybe eat breakfast (or not), have kids ready for school, commute to work, drag through the day and then come home. Later on in the evening, they drug themselves hypnotically with some Netflix or the shows on the hundreds of cable channels they possess.
Then they try to sleep or many times actually end up browsing social media for hours in bed. This cycle is repeated for days into the weekend, where many people then splurge to try to have some fun.
Isn’t it a wonder that many people nowadays suffer from sleep deprivation? And that unfortunately some people start to also experience anxiety and depression?
It’s evident, that the state of our behaviour has not been bringing peace and is counter to the rest we should be getting each day.
The Mad Rush Of The World
The world is a place that needs to constantly be on the go. God in contrast many times tells us to wait or be still (Psalm 46:10-11).
We dread Mondays and stay expectant for Fridays and Saturdays. Whereas God actually wishes for us to love each day as an opportunity for life (Psalm 34:1-2).
People presume to be glad only when good things happen while God needs us to understand His abundant daily renewed mercy that leads to joy. (Lamentations 3:22-23).
We wish to always be in control, while God endeavours for us to stay abiding in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
We try to do things the world’s way and end up with problems and feeling defeated. God, on the other hand, says that His way is just, refreshing, and sure (John 14:6, Psalm 23:1-3).
Steps To More Patience
If you’ve found yourself on the constant hyperactive on-the-go loop lately, maybe it’s time to take an evaluation and readjust. This can be even more important if you’re feeling fatigued, starting to experience misery, or have people to lead who depend on you.
First off, know that work is vital but you have to do it from a place of rest. Why? Because what is also essential is your peace of mind and emotional health.
What do I mean by this?
If you’re experiencing overwhelm or tiredness daily you won’t be able to function properly and be at your best. To stay productive, slow down a little and take it each day at a time.
1. Find time daily to meditate and pray (Jesus did this every day and was always victorious).
2. Set some great goals yearly and set a time period to accomplish them.
3. Create a schedule daily and monthly of your must-do tasks. Any tasks that are not urgent or not important, find ways to delegate or postpone them until later.
4. Be at peace. When arguments or problems come up, quickly find solutions for them and leave the parts of it you can’t solve to God.
5. Allow yourself the time to destress. Pick up a hobby. Read books, journal, exercise, or learn something new.
6. Ensure you eat well, with a diet inclusive of daily fruits and vegetables.
7. Know how to shut off from work. Set a boundary to rest from it and do family and community life and rest.
8. Prepare yourself to get 7-8 hours of sleep daily. That’s the recommended amount for adults. Children will need a little more. But know that sleep deprivation will make you grumpy, miserable, and start to produce neurological issues (eg. anxiety and migraines), and can also produce physical conditions (eg. indigestion and cardiac disease, etc.)
Slow Yourself Down
Slowing yourself down to work from a place of rest is an incredible way to produce more efficiency and consistency in your life.
Developing the habits of patience, peace, and self-control will allow you to know yourself more, see your environment from a better perspective and assist and serve with grace.
God has been calling you to rest in Him and not follow the hectic nature of the world. Will you follow Him? It’s time to abide in the Saviour. He came not just to give you salvation but to also extend his peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
The Wisest Man’s Wisdom
Solomon, who is said to have been the wisest man to live on this earth, wrote some brilliant instructions about being patient in His two major biblical texts, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Proverbs 16:32 makes an interesting statement:
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
The writer was trying to let us understand how crucial being able to rule yourself in patience was compared to doing stuff on earth. God is more impressed by your love and patience in him and not the things you possess.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon declares that many of the world’s activities are all vanity upon vanities.
“Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Ecclesiastes 2:17 (KJV).
You see, He had it all! The money, the properties, the businesses, the vineyards, the resources, the fame, kingdoms to rule, and more women than any man would need in a lifetime. Yet, it was not enough. He still felt empty.
He then ends the book by stating: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)
Let us remember Solomon’s wisdom from God. Let us take note of ourselves and God’s guidance. We can become more patient, we just have to let go of the demands of the world. Lean on God’s understanding and be at peace.
