Work has become associated with the burden of being constantly available and pushing ourselves beyond limits, with all the negative consequences that follow. In America, more than any other country, 86% of men and 67% of women work over 40 hours a week. This overworking culture leads to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, with Americans taking fewer vacations compared to others. Stress is a major factor inhibiting the peace that one can experience in life, along with feeling overwhelmed and panicked.
Luke10:38 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
The stress factors exhibited by Martha are similar to those experienced by all of us. When Martha learns that Jesus is coming over, she feels the pressure of all the tasks that need to be done. Although there's no indication that anything must be done, she begins to feel overwhelmed by the perceived pressure. This same source of stress often affects many aspects of our lives. We may find ourselves thinking, "I have to do this" or believing that certain actions are necessary, such as attending a happy hour to improve our relationship with our boss.
Examples of feeling obligated to do certain things:
- I have to be on social media to have some interactions, keep up with people from high school.
- I have to start a side hustle, probably shopify, and try dropshipping.
- I have to be on dating apps in order to find a relationship. I'm gonna be the cat lady forever.
- I have to go to that happy hour if I'm going to get in a good relationship with my boss.
- I have to pay more bills.
- I have to get a new car.
- I have to make sure it's my friend's birthday. I have to make sure that I send a message saying happy birthday.
Reflection:
- Who said you had to?
- If anything, you get to.
- But you're going to experience stress when you live in this mindset of "I have to
You might be feeling overwhelmed by various distractions at the moment, making it hard to focus on what I'm saying. These distractions could be emails you haven't replied to, or notifications about likes or comments on your social media posts. This constant bombardment of distractions can make it challenging to concentrate
Thanks to the iPhone, which Steve Jobs introduced in 2007, and subsequent advancements in technology, we now have portable computers that constantly inundate us with information. This transformation has made it easier than ever to access a vast amount of data wherever we are. While this capability is impressive, it also means we are constantly bombarded with information.
Despite the benefits of having access to vast amounts of information, numerous studies indicate that it is negatively affecting our physiological well-being. Our stress levels, heart rates, and ability to sleep are all being adversely impacted. For instance, one study found that the average young adult touches their phone between 2,700 and 4,000 times a day. Considering they're asleep for eight hours, this amounts to a significant portion of their waking hours spent touching, swiping, and clicking on their devices. While this technology is an incredible gift, it also has an incredible ability to distract us and disrupt our ability to be fully present in the moment.
Texts and notifications constantly pull your attention in different directions, much like Martha's situation, creating stress and anxiety. This constant influx of information can lead to what's described as a low-grade anxiety, where individuals experience a continuous state of unease. One study suggests that this constant exposure to information triggers and maintains this state of low-grade anxiety, something we weren't naturally designed to endure.
Maintaining healthy boundaries
Listen closely to this: If you're okay with letting everyone down, you'll find peace. There will always be people who think you should have done something differently, who have unspoken expectations of you. You can't live up to everyone's approval; it's a battle you'll never win. Instead, live for God's approval. At the end of the day, you'll answer to Him, and that's what matters most. You have to let go of the fear of disappointing others and stop idolizing their approval.
One reason we experience stress is because we're taking on too much, which leads to being constantly busy. There's an old acronym that interprets "busy" as "being under Satan's yoke." The idea is that when we're overly busy, it distracts us from what truly matters in life. It keeps us stuck in a cycle of merely going through the motions, like being on a treadmill, without actually moving forward or living fully.
God cares about you
Returning back to Martha, she's directing Jesus on what to do, which isn't a good look. Contrasting her, Mary is sitting at Jesus' feet, listening. When stressed, like Martha, we often reach for control over situations, relationships, and circumstances. Martha attempts to control her sister and even blames her and Jesus for her problems. This happens today too; when distracted and self-centered, we may stress because we feel God isn't meeting our expectations. We might bargain with God, saying if we do something, He should do something in return. Martha asks Jesus if He cares, implying He should make her sister help. Jesus cares deeply, even to the point of dying on the cross for us, though we may not always see it in our situations.
It's true that God cares for us deeply. However, it's essential to understand that your definition of care might not always align with how God acts. Just because His actions may not match your expectations doesn't mean He doesn't care about you. At 24, you might think that you'll fully comprehend the wisdom of an infinite God, who is far beyond our understanding. There are times when God would absolutely say, "Yes, I care," so don't assume He doesn't just because things don't go as you want. Martha was confronted with this reality
You know what really matters in life? It's what Mary was doing at that moment. And what was Mary doing? Nothing. She was simply sitting at the feet of Jesus, engaging in a relationship with Him. The point Jesus is making is that amidst all your concerns, stress, worries, and distractions, none of those things truly matter. Listen very closely: There's one reason you're here amidst all the messages bombarding you daily about what needs to be done, what hasn't been done, and what more you need to do. There's one thing that will truly bring you life, and that's knowing Jesus and walking with Him. Jesus brilliantly states that at the end of the day, only one thing matters—it's not about cooking, business, or marriage—it's about you and every other person knowing Him.
The Solution
The solution to stress is found in sitting with the Savior, which means sitting under His teaching and learning from Him. This is how we discover our purpose and find relief from the stress that bombards us. Jesus emphasizes that at the end of our lives, only one thing truly matters: knowing Him. So practically, what does this look like for us? It may not be physically sitting in Martha's living room, but it could mean spending time reading the Bible and praying. Tomorrow morning, try opening your Bible, even if it's been a while, and start with a chapter from the book of John or any of the Gospels. Ask God to speak to you through His Word. Take notes and spend time in prayer, asking God to help you meditate on His control and His love for you. As you spend more time with Jesus, you'll gain clarity on what truly matters and how to prioritize your time accordingly. This clarity will bring peace and lead to a more fulfilling life, aligning with God's purposes for you.
"The content discussed was inspired by a video titled 'battling stress' by David Marvin" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m14wWehqq9s&ab_channel=ThePorchMatthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.