Overwhelmed and Under Pressure?

Are you feeling overwhelmed and under pressure? These two states of existence manifest themselves in different way. For example, many of us crumble under too much, but I tend to work more efficiently when under a little pressure. Even the four finalists on Dancing with the Stars poked some fun at themselves lip-syncing to the appropriately title song "Under Pressure." It was their way of releasing some of the stresses they feel as a result of the competition.

Whether we feel overwhelmed or under pressure in positive or negative ways, it is a subject worth exploring.

Negative

In the negative sense, I envision water. I'm not much of a swimmer; I don't like water over my head or feeling pressure in my ears. I like to stay above it all, which explains my undying devotion to floaty things. My attitude toward water can be applied to the overwhelming feelings and pressure we often experience in our everyday lives. Very few people relish the thought of being in, over their heads when it comes to daily living; we'd rather float above it all as opposed to drowning in it.

When we fail to address issues or activities that press down on our shoulders like we are sitting on the bottom of the deep end of a swimming pool, we allow negativity to gain a foothold. We all react differently when we get to that point. Many of us snap at those around us. Some of us yell, while others of us shut down altogether. That is the negative side of feeling overwhelmed or living under constant pressure.

Positive

However, sometimes the feelings we experience when our life's circumstances become unbearable can yield positive results. You may be skeptical, but hear me out. Lately, I feel like I am drowning in the turbulent waters of my own schedule. In addition to my role as a wife, mother, editor and writer for Take Root and Write, I have a multitude of commitments to fulfill in January and February; speaking, teaching, recording my weekly radio show, and creating a four-part Bible lesson.

I'm not trying to toot my own horn, complain, or garner your sympathies. The way I see it, I am truly blessed by all the opportunities God has provided. However, I am to the point that just getting through one day at a time is an accomplishment. I start my mornings with a deep breath before I dive into my day, just like many of you; because I dive in with God, this is where being overwhelmed and under pressure takes a positive turn.

• I prioritize: what must I accomplish today? (That item, or items, float to the top of my list.)
• I focus: what long-range projects require my attention? (That goal is put into proper perspective.)
• I relax: what fun things can I do that will allow me to be refreshed? (I do and enjoy them without any guilt.)
• I talk to God: I pray that I will be overwhelmed with His goodness instead of my circumstances. (I put my focus back on God.)
  

Practical Christianity is intentional when it feels like we are drowning. It's up to us to reach out and grab whatever floaty thing is going to keep our heads above water. Often the life preserver keeping us afloat is the act of letting go of things dragging us under. In the last three weeks I've given up a book proposal, starting a blog, and a part-time job I love.

"Everything is permissible for me" -- but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me" -- but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV)

In the above verse, Paul is talking about fleshy things, but there is a parallel with our daily schedules. Even though much of the activities we as busy women struggle with are not bad, sometimes they don't benefit us. They take our focus away from the things God wants us focus on; they become distractions that gain control over us.

I'm hoping that some day God will allow me to pursue things I have recently sat aside, but the reality of sacrifice is often what allows us to keeps our heads above water. You may be facing similar decisions and I know it isn't easy. But, if it keeps you from drowning it is well worth it. I have discovered that God often honors sacrifices in ways we never could imagine.

When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2 NKJV)

So, don't be afraid when your start feeling overwhelmed or under pressure. Turn that negative state of affairs into a big positive. Dive into the Living Water of intentional living. Allow the peace of Jesus to wash over you as you dive in head first and prioritize, focus, relax, and talk to God. Allow yourself to be overwhelmed by God's goodness instead of your circumstances.

(c)2009 Shona Neff

Comments

[Karen]

Just what I needed to read this morning....

[Lindy Abbott]

snicker...it is hard to be a swimmer in the middle of a desert! LOL Love the pic, I feel like I am drowning a lot ... like when I walk out my bedroom to be among the mess in the hall, living room and kitchen!

Best part - I love that you added relax to the list! So often we read/hear about setting priorities, goals, taking to God, but it was a nice surprise to hear about adding in the fun! Now a person like me, might be tempted to make a list if I got to write the 'fun' in also! :)

[shona]

Thanks you two. I have really benefited from my own words, I hope you do too!