To-Do List Craziness and Remembering to Be Still

I don’t know about you, but lately I feel like I’m constantly trying to catch my breath. Not physically, but just trying to keep on top of all the . . . stuff to do.

I need to finish reading a manuscript for a dear critique partner. Then I need to read a soon-to-be-released book for another writer whose launch team I’m on. Then another book I should be helping promote. Plus the book one of my tutoring students is currently studying so I can help her with it.

But right now, I need to do my taxes. And carve out time to spend with loved ones. And write tens of thousands of words on my own current novel-in-progress, if I’m to have it ready when it should be. And finish this blog. And . . .

Pant, pant, pant.

Can you relate?

Earlier I was wondering how the Lord views my to-do list. Does He agree that if I don’t catch up pretty soon on all these things I feel so behind on, it will be a major catastrophe?

I kind of doubt it.

Yes, these items are important. But maybe sometimes I need to remember it doesn’t all depend on me, or on me getting done all the things I think I should when I think I should—which would have been already in a lot of cases. Ha.

Sometimes I need to remember the Lord is on His throne, and He is sovereign and working out His plan, whether I cross items off my to-do list or not. And that if I’m stressing so much over getting stuff done that I forget to be loving, to be patient, to be kind, and what things really are important—like people, and Jesus Himself—none of those items on my list really matter at all by comparison.

And to remember what He says in places like these:

“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

~Psalm 46:10

“In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.”
But you were not willing…”

~Isaiah 30:15

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 11:28-30

Can you relate to such to-do list craziness? I’m sure some of you are juggling far more than I am! I’d love to hear what helps you to be still and remember that He is God. Please comment and share!