It’s too easy to let yourself be overwhelmed by the world.

Now, as a retired person, you’d think that I would just be chillin’ all the time, wouldn’t you? Nope. I’m writing this on Sunday afternoon and thinking about all of the little things I have to do this week.

First, and most important, is getting these devotionals done. Tonight we are going to see a movie. Tomorrow I have to get my hair cut, and it might not be a bad idea to cut up the branches that fell off a neighbor’s tree into our yard during this weekend’s snowstorm. Since that is hopefully the last snowstorm until fall, I need to get potting soil and plants for my two new vertical planters, and start my suburban farming. Tuesday I go to the dentist to get a crown replaced. Wednesday, there’s a retirement function that we’re going to. Thursday? Giving blood. I’m sure there’s some yard work I can do Friday, along with the laundry. Saturday, we have our hour of intercessory prayer, followed by a symphony concert to attend.

It’s not much, and there’s really no “work” involved, but my logical mind wants to lay out a schedule and that causes me to feel overwhelmed. A much smarter thing for me to do is just accept the tasks as they come along, do them cheerfully, and thank God for the opportunity to do them!

Rather than be overwhelmed by work and obligations, this wonderful piece of Scripture tells me what I should be overwhelmed by — joy in the Lord my God!

“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:10‬

Photo by christian buehner on Unsplash