We all have those times when life feels heavy—when work, family, and personal commitments stack up, and stress slowly weaves its way into our day-to-day. The funny thing about stress is that, over time, it shows itself in familiar, consistent ways. For me, certain signs pop up like old friends I’d rather not see:
Clutter
When stress settles in, my physical space reflects the chaos in my mind. Counters, floors, and my desk become landing zones for clutter—dishes, laundry, scattered post-it notes, and folders all seem to pile up overnight. What was once a peaceful, organized space quickly turns into a jumble of things left undone, a visible reminder of my inner chaos.
Avoidance
I’m usually a planner. I thrive on having a structure and a sense of direction. But when I’m feeling overwhelmed, planning becomes the last thing I want to do. I avoid sitting down to list tasks or prioritize because, in that moment, avoiding feels easier than facing everything that needs to be done.
Forgetfulness
As a planner, I pride myself on staying on top of things and hitting my deadlines. But when stress takes over, my mind starts slipping. Details I’d normally remember seem to disappear, and mistakes start to show up. I’ll forget an appointment here, misplace a note there—little signs that my usually tight grip on organization is loosening.
Grumpy
One of the most obvious signs, for me and my family, is my mood. When I’m under stress, I get irritable, and my patience thins. My words come out sharper than I intend, and I’m quick to snap. I can tell I’m not in a good place when even the smallest things start to frustrate me.
A Need for Jesus
In moments like these, it’s clear that I don’t just need balance—I need something greater. The popular phrase "work-life balance" doesn’t even seem to fit anymore. Balance implies that things will be even, manageable, and under control. But life isn’t often that predictable. It’s messy, unpredictable, and, at times, overwhelmingly stressful.
I need Jesus more than I need a perfectly balanced schedule. Jesus knew stress, too—He felt the demands of His ministry, the pressure of crowds, and the constant requests for His attention. And yet, in the middle of it all, He made time to withdraw, seek solitude, and be with his Father. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). His example reminds me that, even when life feels nonstop, rest and quiet are necessary.
Reclaiming Sabbath Rest
This idea of rest isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a model that God set for us. In the creation story, God worked for six days, bringing life and order into the world, but on the seventh day, He rested. He didn’t rest because He needed to; He rested as an example for us. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Sabbath rest is a reminder that life doesn’t need to be controlled by our to-do lists and schedules.
Finding Peace in Sabbath
I’m learning that honoring a Sabbath, even in a small way, can be a powerful reset. It’s a moment to step back from the clutter, the planning, and the pressure to get everything right. Sabbath rest is my chance to lay down my stress at God’s feet and trust that He can handle what I can’t. Taking time to pause, breathe, and pray reminds me that my strength comes not from my ability to manage everything but from my relationship with Him.
This Monday, I encourage you to reflect on your own signs of stress. Recognize them, name them, and then let Jesus meet you in those spaces. Rest isn’t about running away from life’s demands; it’s about pausing to remind ourselves of the One who holds all things together, including us.
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