Cheryl likes to watch cooking and baking competition on the television, like “Chopped” and “The Great British Bake Off.” I like to shows where they remodel homes, like “Maine Cabin Masters.”  Something these so called “Reality Shows” have in common is that at some point in every episode they try to add to the drama by saying they won’t have enough time to finish. Every single episode. They will even play music that tries to suck you into the sense of urgency. It is all geared toward making you more excited and involved so that you will continue to watch.

How easily we get caught up in the hype and pressure and tension. And I’m not just talking about those “reality shows.” We allow the drama in our lives to take control. We convince ourselves that we have to hurry up and get things done so we keep up with our neighbors. Our world is constantly telling us to “Go! Go! Go!.” Hurry up. There isn’t enough time to get it all done. Rush! Get moving.

When you find yourself getting overwhelmed by the drama and the demands on you, listen to what God says to you:

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Take a breath. Step back. Ask yourself if what you are doing is really worth what you are putting yourself through. Don’t push yourself too hard. You need to rest. Jesus said as much to His disciples before the Feeding of the 5000.

Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

And then again, after He fed that large crowd, we read this.

Mark 6:45–46 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

Be Still. Take time to rest. Take time to pray. You can’t do everything. And you don’t have to do everything. Take time to rest and remember what Jesus has done for you. He paid for you sin. He earned your forgiveness. He defeated death for you. He opened heaven for anyone who will trust in Him. Let those things guide and direct how you spend your time today. I think you will discover you have plenty of time.