Finding Joy In Life Despite An Overwhelming Workload
Nobody likes feeling unhappy, overwhelmed by stress, or facing difficult challenges at life and work. Sometimes we experience stress and unhappiness due to an overwhelming workload, which can lead to mental anguish and tension in personal relationships.
This article provides tips on finding joy and managing emotions during difficult times, while referencing Jesus’ teachings of harmony in relationships.
Two sisters, Mary and Martha, were present when Jesus made an appearance. Mary takes the opportunity to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to his teachings. However, Martha is preoccupied with serving, prompting her to approach Jesus and express her discontentment with Mary’s decision to neglect the task of helping her sister.
Here is the Bible portion
38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 38-42)
If stress is not managed properly, it can lead to people taking out their frustrations on others.
Here we see that Martha was stressed out and clearly frustrated. This led her to think that she was all alone and her sister Mary intentionally left her alone to do all the work.
Tension began to rise and inaccurate assumptions about her sister were made, leading to an awkward exchange between her and Jesus about her sister.
Stress can be a major factor in our lives, leading us to think that we are all alone, displace our negative emotions onto those around us. We may blame them for our problems, causing us to lash out and say hurtful things. This can lead to grievances like complaining, murmuring, and criticism.
Therefore, it is essential to acknowledge and examine our emotions, taking the necessary steps to address them in order to foster emotional and spiritual growth and achieve an overall sense of wellbeing.
So what is the first step in finding peace?
Look at what Jesus answered:
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary.[e] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Upon encountering the anxious and troubled woman, Jesus displayed clear discernment in recognizing her issues. He then provided instruction on what she should do – mirroring Mary’s example of sitting at his feet and listening to his teachings.
Taking a moment to sit at the feet of the Lord and listen to Him is the right thing to do. There are two primary benefits associated with this practice: prayer allows us to express their worries and concerns to Jesus Christ, while reading the Bible and engaging in prayer can lead us to hearing God’s voice gently whispering in our minds. This kind of spiritual guidance can help clear any unwanted feelings and emotions, bringing enlightenment, a fresh mindset, and peace in one’s heart.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? If so, taking some time to find a quiet place and read the Bible could be beneficial. Prayer can be an effective tool to help bring peace and clarity during difficult times. It is important to remember that God can provide divine peace for those who seek it.
Let’s pray.
Father, I am stressed out, feeling frustrated. I cast all my cares, worries and concerns at your feet. Speak to me. Fill my heart with peace of God. Thank you Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
