Work with JOY!
Recently, I’ve been dealing with a great deal of stress caused by an over abundance of projects that I’m committed to see through to completion. Lest the title of my post mislead you, I’m not bouncing with joy about the numerous tasks on my “to do” list.
In fact, I confess to whining, complaining, and pouting about my overloaded schedule. Does this happen to you sometimes?
In May, a delightful book was released by Lighthouse Bible Studies. I’m blessed to have an article accepted in Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character.*
Ironically, my article is entitled “Work with Joy!”
Did I mention that I’ve been whining and complaining?
Since I’m struggling to view my current work as joyful rather than drudgery, I took a peek at my article in Heart Renovation this week. (Since I’ve clearly had a relapse from a viewpoint of “joyful work”).
Our Pastor’s message yesterday morning gave me a not so subtle nudge when he asked, “Do you know some folks that you just don’t enjoy being around because they whine and complain all the time?”
OUCH!
Now, I don’t do much whining in public (thankfully), but I grumble to myself. And, my dissatisfaction boils over into irritability, frustration, and impatience. Definitely not the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
But… our Pastor didn’t leave us in darkness. After an uplifting message about being thankful, he helped me remember just how blessed I am.
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Sometimes, we just need a reminder. So, how do we work with joy?
It’s all about perspective:
How we view our work makes all the difference. By work, I’m referring to labor in the home and careers in the public sphere, both paid and unpaid work.” (Heart Renovation, p. 99)
While I’m doing some “paid” work now, most of my projects in my church and community are unpaid. That shouldn’t affect my joy, but is it? What has taken away my joy in service?
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
I needed a reminder that my work is for the Lord–serving Him. When my attention wavers from His purpose and I begin to focus on my own perceived needs and desires, my attitude plummets.
As I pondered on my “grumpiness,” I also remembered that God loves me, even when I’m grumpy, BUT I’m reminded of the hard truth. I’m not honoring God when I have a rotten attitude.
With God’s help, I can change my perspective…
In order to “Work with Joy”, I advocated eight strategies. We’ll touch on four this week (just a sneak preview) as I analyze my current attitude. Please answer these questions for your own work, if you wish to check your perspective.
Be sure to select a career, job or vocation that honors God. Are my current projects honoring God? Did I pray prior to accepting these tasks?
Give your work the honor it deserves. If I view my current projects as drudgery, am I honoring these tasks as God’s work? Where is the disconnect? Am I doing these tasks for God’s glory or my own?
Demonstrate the Fruit of the Spirit in the workplace and at home. Am I showing love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in ALL situations? TRYING! I’m a work in progress. Aren’t we all?
Focus on the positive rather than dwelling on the negative. This is the definite OUCH for me! Whining, complaining, and pouting are so NOT positive. I need prayer!
I’m thankful that Jesus is our guide and that He doesn’t ignore us when we call on Him. Jesus is only a prayer away.
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” John 14:15-16
So…what about all those projects on my “to do” list? I’ve made a dent, but my plate is still overly full.
But…my attitude is better. Thanks be to God!
What about you, my friends? Is your plate of “work” too full? Can you share some advice as to what strategies you use to keep from overloading on volunteer tasks? Can I pray for you?
The Heart Renovation Bible Study compilation is “a construction guide to building godly character and overcoming the hidden problems that sabotage it. It explores how God works in our lives and gives us wisdom to handle such real-life issues as unwanted change, grief, loneliness, financial debt, and difficult people. It shares God’s blueprint for a renovated heart by looking at Jesus’ character, godly people in the Bible, the Fruit of the Spirit, and the Beatitudes” (Heart Renovation, back cover blurb).
*Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character is compiled by Katy Kauffman and published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. Available on Amazon or from lighthousebiblestudies.com
Thanks for posting. I know I can over commit and wind up stressed out. I have to remind myself I will never produce the fruit of the Spirit from my own efforts. I actually have to spend the time abiding in God’s Word to have spiritual fruit. This is where I get tripped up. I try to do it all on my own, but the more I spend time with the Lord, the better my attitude, and the better my work. I just need to put first things first. I pray for the grace, and trust God to get me there.
What wonderful advice for us, Joanna, when you remind us that we “will never produce Fruit of the Spirit from my own efforts.” So often I forget that. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your wisdom. I will think of you when I pray for grace and the ability to trust God to get me there (and add a prayer for you, too!)
Focus on the positive rather than the negative. Such a simple idea and yet so easy to forget. Thanks for the reminder!
Yes, it’s a good plan (to focus on the positive)–but, I’ve found that I need God’s grace and strength to enable me to be able to follow through on that positive thinking. Thanks for stopping by, Jonathan.
Katherine, ME TOO! I have been struggling with an overload in the stress department. My immediate response with complaining and my thoughts got to be pretty stinky. But then … the Lord and His precious Spirit helped bring me back around. Your post served to reinforce His teachings.
Blessing, dear sister!
Thank you, Beckie! I don’t think we fit into the category of “misery loves company”, but it’s so wonderful to know that others understand the battle we face just “trying to get it all done!” Praying for you, my sister in Christ.
Thanks for sharing how you got into a tight spot with your to-do list, Katherine. Over time, I’ve discovered that I can do about a third of the things on my list each day. In the past, I would automatically say “Yes” when someone asked me to do something– probably because I wanted to please them. But now, before I take on a new volunteer job, I usually ask for time to think about it, and then I pray about whether that is something God intends for me to do. This approach has helped me not to take on too much and become overwhelmed, which often leads to me being tired and resentful.
Best to you as you work through to Joy,
Connie
Thanks for your helpful advice, Connie. We should prayerfully consider all of our actions, but I confess I sometimes speak first and pray later. Usually gets me in trouble! I think if you’re getting a third of your tasks done, you are doing great. Wishing you blessings, my friend.
I have also struggled with remembering that the things I do – especially those is particular service to the church or ministry – need to be motivated out of a love for Jesus. Not payment. Not accolades. Not recognition. It can be hard though, to give so much of yourself and feel like you get nothing in return. If love for Jesus isn’t the motivation, whatever it is that you are doing will drain the life right out of you. I know. Been there!
You’ve “hit the nail of the head” Denise! Everything we do needs to be motivated out of love for Jesus. I think sometimes we forget that and our perceived needs and desires move to the forefront and Jesus is pushed to the back seat. I’ve done it! Thanks for your encouragement. Wishing you blessings on the journey.