How many overextend themselves because they have not learned what true rest is? The workaholic who says he is industrious and not lazy, is actually running. Work ethic is a good thing, and better still, is doing all things as unto the Lord. “I’m not a workaholic!” Alright, then sit quietly alone in an empty room, without outside stimulation such as your T.V. or smartphone. See how long you can do it without feeling anxious. Can you do it and experience perfect peace at the same time? Let’s go one step farther: work a 40 hour workweek with no overtime. “I need money.” Some people put themselves in a jam, so they have to work. It’s called self-sabotage. To be sure, working overtime in itself does not necessarily mean a person is a workaholic. That being said, let’s go even further: no projects when you get home. Can you be in a state of peace without activity or some form of entertainment? If you feel driven, then more than likely, you’re not being Holy Spirit led. Oh, this does include those who volunteer for everything at church. Nothing wrong with volunteering in itself; but do keep in mind, doing a “good thing” does not necessarily qualify as the right thing. We can get so busy that we miss God and the opportunities He has for us. In some cases, “busy” is a code word for avoidance. Ironically, the peace that people are chasing after, will continue to elude them as long as they keep chasing it. Running away from something will never bring true peace. That means if you’re facing a mountain, the idea is to have faith in God and speak to the mountain; not run around it over and over (see Mark 11:22-24).
Yes, it is a trust and control issue. Some don’t trust, so they try to control. What does that have to do with the workaholic, alcoholic or any other type of addict? Some of those mountains are painful and cause much fear. Because they’re afraid He might make them face those fears, they refuse to trust God with the results. In short, they try to control the circumstances in order to avoid pain; and yet, by facing it with Him, it can be eliminated forever. Overworking yourself is not doing all things as unto the Lord. Look at the phrase itself: “overworking yourself.” That is being led by the self, and that is not allowing Holy Spirit to lead. If you cannot say “no” when it’s appropriate, then all that volunteering might be signaling there are affirmation issues. If you are tired of being tired, then there is a solution.
Hebrews 4:10 For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Stop what you’re doing, and wait on the Lord. The bottom line is you have to do things on His terms, if you are going to experience the abundant life He has for you. Don’t confuse that statement with having tons of money. It could include it; but even some who have more than they could possibly spend, still feel they don’t have enough. Consider this: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Money does not buy peace. It may give relief from a creditor or pay the utility bills you so you have light and heat. However, money and material possessions have no eternal value, so they don’t exactly qualify as true abundance. God’s idea of abundance goes far beyond our limited thinking. Likewise, His peace goes beyond understanding, and that means having it in the most dire of circumstances. As long as you try to stay busy in the quest of pain avoidance, you’ll never experience such peace. One final thought: there are those who are wired for busy. It’s part of their design and unique relationship with God. They’re in a state of rest, and they actually can sit still in His Presence. This blog is aimed at helping runners stop running and actually find peace.
