Stressed – Dealing With Hectic Stress

We are a hurried society. In fact it’s a badge of honor to have tons going on. It shows importance, value and competence. Here’s the problem, though. When we’re so over-committed and busy, we miss out on what’s most important. Today we’re talking about hectic stress.

Hectic stress is feeling pulled in a thousand directions. Overwhelmed by the schedule, responsibilities and the need to prove ourselves, we end up missing the point.

Maybe you’ve never stopped to think about why you put so much on yourselves. I know for me, it made me feel important-I had places to be and things to do. I liked when people would say, “how do you do it all.” 

We want to be the best wife who keeps a beautiful home, perfect well-rounded kids at school, in sports, dance or the arts. We have a career. It’s an endless pursuit of proving our value but actually that’s not where our value comes from. 

Martha was famous for being too busy to enjoy the most important thing-time with Jesus. Distracted by the tasks, she grew bitter at her sister when she had to do it all.

Luke 10: 38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Martha got bogged down in the tasks. Mary saw the immediate opportunity. Jesus was in their home! Did it matter what was on the menu? Would Jesus think less of them for offering PBJ? 

This is what hectic stress does to us. We get distracted by the doing and we forget the being. Our tasks and accomplishments don’t make us relevant or worthy. Jesus does! He gives us value. He gives us purpose-not to elevate ourselves but to elevate Him. That’s why Jesus doesn’t rebuke Mary. She wasn’t being lazy. She understood the bigger priority was learning at the feet of Jesus.

So, what’s the cure for hectic stress?

The antidote is surrender. Instead of working to measure up to some contrived standard, rest in knowing that your value comes from Jesus. 

That was Mary’s posture-sitting at the feet symbolizes faith and surrender. Hearing and obeying Jesus’ teachings were paramount then and today.

• 3 S’s to surrender:
  • Start with what Jesus says about you. Ephesians 2:8-9. Romans 8
  • Stop trying to impress/control. Be honest about who you’re trying to impress stop trying to control/impress
  • Sift through your responsibilities and set boundaries