Last week was a busy week. There was Scott’s appointment to the eye doctor, voting, writing, grocery shopping, and then revising an article that was accepted for publication. So I didn’t get much done on my business. I shouldn’t be disappointed about that because of the decision of it not being as high on my priority but I did feel guilty. I had to look at my activity list to check if I did anything to move my business forward that week. I was so glad to see that I did do something at the beginning of the week.
It is so easy to get discouraged when my mind says I didn’t get any tasks done that I should have so having a list that showed what I actually did helps me. I went back to my post, “Time Management” to refresh my memory on this skill. It’s so easy for me to get in a routine that I forget to do a review. Last week was busy so I didn’t have time to do all that was on my list. This week shouldn’t be so busy so I should be able to catch up.
What if the busy week turns into a busy month or even a whole season like it usually does this time of year? I have felt depressed or even anxious because it seemed I wouldn’t be able to catch up. I realized that I’m not a wonder woman and that’s okay. There will be times when I can’t do every task on my growing to-do list and that’s okay, too.
During those times I feel depressed or anxious, I give my thoughts to God through prayer. I tell myself that God is working all things for my good. I can hope that the days will get back to being manageable if not ‘normal’ and continue doing what I can do.
The Believers Instruction Book: Living Edition tells us that our God is the God of hope who fills us with joy and peace so that we will overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. So when our hope takes longer than expected and we feel crushed, we need to look to God and remember He is good. I tell myself that these troubled times won’t last forever and hope for better days.
What do you do or tell yourself to get out of feeling down because your business isn’t moving forward fast enough or it’s not going in the direction you want it to?
Prayer
Dear God in heaven,
Thank You for giving us hope for a brighter future. We do not deserve the good plans You have for us. Give us the strength through Your Holy Spirit to continue moving in the path You want us to go. If we are headed in the wrong direction, please guide us in the right path.
In Your Son’s name, Amen
Verses
Romans 12:2 Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything
Romans 8:28 All things work together for good for those who love God
Romans 15:13 The God of hope will fill you with joy and peace, you will overflow with hope through the Holy Spirit’s power
2 Corinthians 3:12 Since we have hope, we can be courageous
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick
2 Corinthians 4:17 Our present troubles are small and won’t last very long
Jeremiah 29:11 God has plans for us to give us a future and a hope
Song
“Strangely Dim“ by Francesca Battistelli
I had several songs to choose from but this one won because it wasn’t too slow or didn’t mention storms or battles much. It’s a good reminder to fix our eyes on Jesus while we’re waiting or worrying. If you would like the list of songs that didn’t get chosen because of mentioning storms or battles, let me know by email or comment below.
Call to Action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then make a list of what you will do the next time you feel down or anxious about your business.