In 1912, the Glenwood Stove Company announced an invention that would relieve the average household of a most undesirable chore. The ad explained that Glenwood’s new stove was designed in such a way that the ashes automatically flowed through a sealed pipe into the basement ash bin. As a result, families would never again have to deal with the mess, labor, and concern of keeping a stove clean of ashes.
The original readers of that advertisement could never have imagined the life-altering inventions that would fill the next 100 years. Chances are they would marvel at the thought of how carefree life would be with the luxuries we enjoy today: microwave ovens, IPhones, Internet, and even the simple thermostat on the wall. Compared to 1912, one need not leave the comforts of the living room to accomplish many daily responsibilities.
Yet, our lives are anything but carefree today! According to a recent Gallup poll, over 80% of Americans feel stressed at least some of the time, and nearly half are stressed most of time. Despite our efforts to make life run more smoothly and organized, we often feel overwhelmed by the pace of each day.
Our Creator never intended for us to exist within the constant bustle of a life always moving in fast forward. He has promised to give us rest and peace. But, how do we grasp the promise of God to provide us with peace? How do we rise above “crisis mode” toward “crisis cure”?
First, live by God’s clock. When pressures and responsibilities seem to overwhelm us, there is a tendency to look to the latest time saving invention or time management strategy to bridge the gap. But God calls us instead to change our perspective. He has ordained a pace, a rhythm, to our lives. Woven into that rhythm is a constant recognition that the Creator of the universe guides the events of each day. Remember, it was our Creator that designed a “day of rest”. No one would believe that He was tired or stressed, but He knew He had designed His creatures to need time to reflect. In order to escape crisis mode, we must recognize our need to pause for thoughtful reflection on who God is and what our place in His universe is supposed to look like.
Second, remember your top priority. No one will ever break the crisis mode until they realize their life is ordered by choices that have made and those they are making. When life seems chaotic, spending endless hours on Facebook, texting, or watching TV will only compound the problem. We need to find comfort in trusting God to guide our choices as He sees fit, recognizing our limitations. As we surrender our priorities to Him, the urgency to accomplish our plans will be replaced by a gentle peace of knowing that His unique purpose is at work in us.
Third, find contentment in relationships. We have heard the message everywhere – if we want a happy and fulfilled life, we need this product, this experience, and/or this look. Such are the pressures of living in a materialistic society. But if we yield to these forces, we will find ourselves entrenched in crisis mode. It takes time and money (as well as other resources) to “keep up with the Jones”. And we will find ourselves pressed to become something God never intended us to be. It is hard work living up to someone elses expectations.
We must allow God to define the values and directions of our lives. It is this attitude that will insulate us from crisis mode. When we are content wherever God has placed us, there is no pressure to chase after things we do not need, or live up to expectations God never intended us to keep. Live in peaceful surrender to the promise that God will promote you, bless you, and change you according to His plans for your life.
Staying out of crisis mode is a constant battle. There will always be “ashes to lug”. Financial need, family responsibilities, and job pressures are all a natural part of life. Add the occasional, unseen catastrophe, and things can become overwhelming.
The antidote – “Crisis Cure” – is found in adopting a new perspective, one that looks to God to prioritize our time, guide our decisions, and define our values. When we surrender every need and crisis to His care, we are free to experience the peace that can only come from Him!
