Hope for the Harried
** What would be required to move you from where you are today to a place of contentment? http://thelife.com/study/strugglecontent.html?section=struggle_contentment
by Gail Rodgers
We talked over a pot of tea. Together we read these stark words from the Bible…
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).
The frenzied pace she kept was taking a toll on her home. Life just seemed to be fraying around the edges.
When we live at a pace that continually drains us we end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration and lack of patience can surface all too often. As women we can actually be tearing down relationships by our own hand and not even be aware we are doing so. A wise woman will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.
If your quiet time with God has slipped to the wayside of your life it won’t be long before you notice the tell-tale reactions of complaining, negativity and frustration in your life and relationships.
Ask God to come in a fresh way into your life to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart. Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your relationships. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.
Exchange your weakness for His strength.
Your unhappy heart for His joy.
Your annoyance with His love.
Your anxiety with His peace.
Your impatience for His patience.
Your complaining for His contentment.
Your harsh attitude for His gentleness.
~ Father in Heaven,
Today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that can tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Questions to ponder: How have you made that choice to be a builder rather than one who tears down relationships? What changes do you need to make in your schedule in order to allow God to make changes in your heart?
About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/
Nice Blog! Two thumbs up to for the Harried at Devotional for Women in regards to Newborn boy gift! Friday I was thinking the exact same thing. This is a VERY interesting line of thought.
Dear Sharon…
Welcome Back!!! :)
You can go to http://www.christianwomentoday.com/ and click on devotions and scan down through all. At the top of each it gives a line with comments and you can click on those and catch up! PTL for your restored computer! Bless you, dear Sister in the Lord!
i have been gone for awhile then my computer broke down and had to get it fixed. so how is everyone been? what has been going on?
God bless all
sharon
I know this is for Friday and today is Sunday but I just had to comment on third shift. I too work third shift and at the same time my daughter and her children where living with me and of course they would be up during the day and I would be trying to sleep. I tried waring ear plugs and putting my fan on high but nothing worked. Not to say that your situation was the same as mine but I know what you are going through. I too didn’t get enough sleep and felt tired all the time. My daughter and children are not living with me any more but I know I couldn’t work third. Because I know I wouldn’t get the rest I would need .I Presently work second and I like that shift much better. I sure will be praying for your job. May God bless you and I know he will answer this prayer just trust in him.
Dear Dianne,
You are a precious lady and your wonderful response to Barbara D above just blessed my heart .. HE is using a special daughter’s experience to encourage others..will join prayers with yours for relief for Barbara D and know many others will be “in agreement”, too! God bless you, dear Dianne xoxo
Oh, clarifiction in second paragraph: I was isolated and didn’t go to church during the time I was on 3rd’s, not after.
I know where you are coming from, Barb. I have worked thirds, too, and got very messed up from it, too. Depression is one of the most important reasons I won’t do them anymore.
Also, my body-clock got out of whack for a couple of years afterwards, and I was isolated from family and friends most of the time. I quit going to church, too, because I would fall asleep during services (after work), and because the less time I spent on the road after work, the safer others and I were. There were far too many times I was close to kissing a guardrail on the way home in the mornings!
I was also more moody and argumentative at any time, and I ALWAYS felt tired–weighed down physically. Day sleep never was as effective as night sleep is for me.
While I was still working nights, I actually studied the research on shift and rotating workers, and it helped convince me that I can’t afford to work nights, even if it means being unemployed.
All of this is not to say that some people aren’t biologically equipped to adapt to night work. I saw some who seemed to be just fine with it. That wasn’t me though, and apparently not you either, Barbara. I pray that you get the other job, if it is His will.
Just a piece of experience here: It took about 3 months after I stopped working nights to feel reasonably normal physically. I also noticed that I would lose control of my sleep cycle very easily if I didn’t stick to a regular sleep schedule (including no naps) after I quit doing thirds. It has been 2 1/2 years since then, and I can’t say exactly when, but that tendency to lose control has finally weakened enough to almost not be a problem.
I have had to faithfully use an alarm clock–and avoid sleeping in as much as possible–in order to accomplish this, though. So, if you run into these kinds of problems, don’t be surprised, and don’t give up, you will feel better in time.
Getting out in the sun also helped, and still helps me alot :-}(as does a full-spectrum lamp I bought). And, who knows, with God’s help, your transition might go more easily than mine did.
Barb, I pray for you and your family :-}.
Hi Ladies:
I’m new to this interactive site. I’ve been receiving the devotionals for a few months now. I would like your prayers for a different job. I’m a single mom struggling to keep afloat financially. I work third shift with no medical benefits and no other employer benefits like sick or vacation time yet I work 40 hours per week. I work at a university where you have to bid on jobs to get full-time with benefits. This shift is extremely draining and I hate it but feel trapped by my needs that I cannot just quit. I had an interview on Wednesday and am desperately HOPING to get the job. I am supposed to find out by week’s end which is today (Friday 8-17.) I NEED to feel alive again for my sanity and my children’s sake. I now know after a year and a half why they call this the graveyard shift – you literally feel half dead all the time. It is NOT good and I feel totally exhausted. I HAVE to get off this shift to begin to feel normal again and I NEED benefits for my children. PLEASE PRAY that this job is my open door. I have been struggling for a VERY LONG TIME to function on this shift. I have a history of depression and it is not good that this shift has that side effect as well. I had no idea when I took this job that it would be so hard to adjust to, or I wouldn’t have taken it. Thank you and may God bless you all.
Hi ladies I kind of got behind on all that is being said on here today. I haven’t been on the computer for a couple of days. June I will be praying about your surgery and for your travel. God bless all of you and have a nice day in the Lord.
Thank you, dear June L! You are right..they are all miracles..But this son came after a stillbirth and two miscarriages..The whole medical staff rejoiced along with us on his arrival..and my husband gave him the middle name, Emmanuel, as the Lord was really with us after all that. He was an emergency Caesarian, too, and has been lively ever since! Thrilled over your little grandson due in end of October, too! You recognize these miracles! Have safe trip (((((((June L)))))))
Thanks Fran, and I have prayed for your son and his safety.
I mentioned earlier my son was a miracle, but really they all are. ((((Fran))))
June L,
Godspeed on your journey to TN and His Angels will guard over you and your other family members travelling to visit that special Mom there! We will miss you, but happy for the fellowship that awaits! God Bless! (((((((June L)))))))
Fran, I so wish I had a laptop for these next few days and when I am in the hospital. I suspect the time away on both occasions will be about 4 days…not too long. My mother doesn’t have a computer…and doesn’t mind telling you she doesn’t want one. My single brother that lives with her has thought about getting one…she doesn’t like that idea either. She doesn’t even have call waiting. But, boy can she prepare a meal that is delightful to the palate. My mouth is watering just thinking about my meals there for the next 4 days. For an 88 year old…she is just awesome. I am so blessed to still have her, and I DON’T TAKE HER FOR GRANTED.
I generally pray before I comment on here…but still have trouble putting things into words. But the things I do say come from my heart, and that’s what counts. I was thinking like you said today about how each of us offer different insights which is great. Most of us added something different and unique about God’s creation which is what this is about. I didn’t even think about a newborn baby like you did. My one and only child was a miracle, and God made it very clear “he was a gift from Him.” As Jackie often says: “He is awesome like that”. I wanted a baby boy too when he was born…and now we are expecting a grandson October 28th. We are all excited but especially my son…like I was 30 years ago.
Blessings to all. (My husband wants his turn at the computer).
Dear June L,
Wish you had a laptop (I don’t!)..as we will all miss you while you are in hospital! It’s just been real busy here..And in a pleasant way with our son visiting before the move to CA. He leaves NYC on Tuesday the 28th..one way to CA so please lift him for safety on that flight! He went back to pack yesterday and get his last two weeks in at work there. We had a wonderful fellowship time..and our daughter and husband made a wonderful meal at their place and he got to be with his nieces there, too!
My biological Dad was French and Cherokee background. My hair was light as cotton as a little one, but by 7 years of age it was dark brown! My features are more like his French side ..but my sister took after my Mom’s Paternal Cherokee side in those beautiful high cheekbones. She was a beauty!
Many times? Your wonderful comments to others on here bless me, too! And have thought the same thing you just wrote! I wouldn’t know “what” to say, but would pray…and your wonderful comments said what my heart felt! We are truly all joined to the same “Vine”!!! HE uses us all on here, doesn’t He!!!
Am praying for both “Eves” from England..In fact? I know you go through the same as me? He brings names to me for prayer..And, HE does that for you, too! Am praying for Ami who recently saw her Mom “cross over”..and others who’ve written on here..And, it is a comforting thing knowing prayers are reciprocal..and that we are also uplifted!!
Would take up all the space on here if commented on how ALL on this special spot bless me. The Honesty is so wonderful! But do want to say am sooooo proud of Barbara C for handling that work situation yesterday as she did! Barbara!! He may have placed you in there to be “His shining light” around them! You’ll silently “pray” for them, too, as these situations come up! And, June L has said this before, too..Maybe that is “why” you are there as His daughter to be an example for Him! But, prayed today for His strength for you to see you through.
Appreciate ALL of you!!! Hallelujah…All of us “Vines”!!!
Fran, I missed you the last few days and thought maybe you were out of town, But, prayed for you just the same in case there was sickness or something else. I don’t have any Indian characteristics. When I tell people I have Indian blood in me they just about choke. I am very light skinned as my father and his descendants from Germany. Most of my 10 siblings are fair, except for 3 of them.
Dianne, I agree with everything Fran said. I wanted to reply to your last email but was struggling for the right words. I did pray for you on the spot.As usual, Fran came through with some of the things I wanted to say. That was very good what you said about your earthen father, and about your “gratitude list.” I’m sure all that read will benefit from that as I know I will. I love your honest heart and I know God does too. Bless you.
Dear Dianne,
Read this late as we had our delightful son visiting this weekend..But am praying, at your request, and love your honesty before the throneroom! A lot of honest comments by others on here, too! We ALL “derail”, at some point,in our human encasements.. but what a neat spot this is..that we can pray and be prayed for..and help one another along! This site a “nonjudgmental” spot where we can all “let our hair down”, too! Amen!!
You made a strong point for others in your sharing about your relationship with your earthen father..and how you had to treat him with the same “Golden Rule” you do others..and how that was rewarded, too..and later you could say “I love you” and mean it! I get my real earthen moments here in our ongoing challenge..and needed to be reminded myself of this today! Was so humbeled just now when the Lord showed me that through your words just now..and how HE forgives all my earthen failings and I need to do that to one close to me, too!..Thank YOU for sharing and HE used you to bring me around! HE showed me that fran isn’t perfect by far, and those around me can’t be, either!! Am usually a cheerful, smiling person and intend to stay that way in the LORD!! Thank you, Jackie, for the “assist”! :)
Also, June L and Jackie..I share the Cherokee genes, too..One grandmother and one great grandmother from that great heritage! My beautiful sister in Heaven inherited those gorgeous high cheekbones, too! People say I am strong..but it is all the LORD and the genetic pool HE blessed me through!! And, June L..praying for your TN journey safety and blessings..And your surgery all prayed up. Be sure you post on here before that so many prayers will go up right then..all over our Nation and beyond!!
Father God, thank you for each precious lady that visited this site today. Some left comments, some didn’t…but YOU Lord know each one, and love us all unconditionally. Thank you Father for your quiet voice that led us here today to be blessed, and to meditate on your word. You have spoken to our hearts in a mighty way to make changes that will build a strong house, and inspired us not to be foolish by tearing down our houses. We all know what is most important Lord, but it seems to get lost in the chaos of life. I know for a fact this is what happens at my house. Guide us with wisdom only you can give to make the changes we need to make. May each one of us through your strength exchange:
Our unhappy heart for Your joy.
Our annoyance with Your love.
Our anxiety with Your peace.
Our impatience for Your patience.
Our complaining for Your contentment.
Our harsh attitude for Your gentleness.
In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Isn’t it awesome how God puts things in front of us right when we need them. I felt like todays message was speaking directly to me. It hit me right upset the head. The very things that Gail wrote about in this devotional are the issues that I struggle with every single day. I find myself going thru the motions of trying to do all the right things like listening to my favorite Christian talk show or Christian self help CD’s on the way to work, participating in Bible study groups, and so on. All it takes is about an hour into work and it all goes right down the drain. I’m very driven to get things done well, and as a manager in the healthcare industry I have things coming at me from every direction all day long. I get frustrated, stressed out and even angry and I totally derail nearly every single day. At the end of the day I feel like I’ve failed again, which leads to a tremendous amount of guilt about how I handled different situations. The relationships that suffer as a result of my reaction. After reading this I think I understand the disconnect. Going thru the motions of doing all the right things isn’t quite enough. I need to spend quality time with God and ask for His help in meeting me where I am. Asking Him to help me become a builder. Thanks to all of you who have shared. As Gail tells us God can be the source for all of our needs.
Thanks for taking the time to post today Ladies! I too felt like Gail’s devotional was written just for me today! God has been convicting me in this area over the past weeks and I have been working hard at having my time with the Lord at the beginning of the day. This morning as I got ready for work everything took too long, so even though I had allowed 30 minutes for a Quiet Time I just barely made it into the car and my husband was already waiting in the driveway!But I have already decided to take that time tonight after dinner.
Diane, I will be praying for you today!
Hello ladies; this sight is so helpful and encouraging too me also. it’s kind of became the knot at the end of my rope.When I start slipping I can come here and you ladies give me the Inspiration I need to hold on tighter.
It was hard for me to find time to read and pray to sometimes, because We are busy all the time. Instead of trying to find quiet time to read I got the Bible on cd’s. I listen to them while I’m cooking,foldind laundry and cleaning in general.In Ruth Bell Grahams book she said she kept an open bible in every room so while she was waiting or passing by she could read a verse or two. she said sometimes thats all she had time for in the day.I’ve also put praise and worship cd’s in mycd player in the car which helps. The verse I know that truly helps me everytime I read them I have printed on index cards and taped them in the places I know I’m going to be , like mirrors.
I hope this helps you. I had to ask God to help me be creative in learning his word because I don’t sit much at all.So God had to give me another way instead of conventinal ideas. I do think there’s anything more peaceful than reading the Bible . I have even went so far as to copy pages of my Bible and carry them in my pocket for a later time.I know that sounds really crazy but it helps.
you ladies are truly a blessing in my life. thanks.
Hi Ladies,
I felt so blessed to receive this devotional today. I am a mother of three wonderful boys (15,14,11), I am married to a pastor, I attend school full-time and I work par-time, and I am involved at church. So just by me saying that gives you insight on how a normal day in my shoes might be. But this devotional was inspiration for me today. I have to remember to build rather than tear down, even when I’m tired and worn out. One of you all said thatwe have to remember that we are not superwomen. I totally agree with you. I need to remember that on a daily basis. Please pray for me and the building opportunities that I will so graciously be afforded by God. I want to always build up my home, but I know that I don’t always do that. I know I need God to help me, because being the heart of the family is not always easy. So please pray that I am what God wants me to be and not what I desire in my selfish times of anger.
Thanks again for this ministry is has helped me in ways beyond beleif.
Twylia
Hi ladies I am so thankful for this web site. It helps with how I am feeling when I can type it and read it afterword It sinks in better. Reading the letters up above helps me to know I am not the only one who doesn’t take more time in my devotions. When I get home from work it is one o’clock in the morning and I tried to do my devotions then but I would find myself falling asleep so I said OK I will switch to mornings when I wake up but lots of times I will be thinking about things I have to get done that day and I forget to read and pray. I know that when I do remember to do my devotions I feel a whole lot better and my day goes better too. I know that God will meet my needs if I will just take time out for him. Please pray for me in this regard.
WOW! Is all I can say about todays devotioal! It fits my life perfectly ! When I got up this morning I had no idea what today would bring! It started as my usall day. Getting breakfast done,Joshua off to school,makeing sure Jeff was up. One thing that seemed kind od strange was our girls,we have identical twin daughters who are three, were still sleeping! Well to make along morning short my husband said he was taking my truck to work to fix something on it! Well I never watch t.v but this morning I was fliping through the channels and started watching Joyce Myers! Her message was about trading our ashes for His beauty! Just alot of thing hit home for me. The when I got to work I checked my email and it was about the same thing!! I felt like God had been trying to speak to me for a couple of weeks now and I have been just to busy to stop and listen. our the last year or so I fallen into this I don’t have time for God anf just pushing him to the side but some how each and everyday I would always think you know you really need some alone time with God. Like always I would just find sometihng else to do to make it seem like I did not have time. The scripture realy spoke to me this morning because God was bacily sayin, Hey you are doing this to your family and it needs to stop today!! I have always been a christian and know that I am going to heaven but between the message I heard this morning and the devotioal I recieved it has made me think am I truly married and commeted to God? I mean whe you say “I Do”, we really do not know were our lives are going to go,what we are going to be doing. So we take it day by day! Aren’t we suposed to be doing that with God, saying I don’t know what the future holds but I am going to follow . I know with my life I have not done this. I want to be the wife,mother and daughter to my maker that he wants me to be!! Please pray that I will be the mother of our 3 children Gos wants me to be and the wife and daughter he wants me to be!! I know I am on the right track and I have just got to keep going on it!!
Wow! Is all I can say about this study!! Over the last couple of day I have felt like God was trying to get my attention….and lets just say he did! It is so funny from the time I got up this morning untill just this moment the things he has showed me about my life and how the choices I have made have affected it. I would like to share a little bit about my day and it only 8:50 in the morning:) I got up as usall 5:15 to start the day. Geting breakfast done,Getting my little man off to school,making sure my husband was up. All the thing that ually happen every morning. After Jeff was done with his breakfast and Joshua off to school he informed me he was taking my truck to work to fix something on it. So I was like ok…that is fine. I noticed to the girls were still asleep…we have also a set of 3 year old idential twin girls,McKenzie & Hannah. That just never happens unless it is Gods plan. Well Jeff went back to sleep for a little while longer so I set down to watch t.v….see I never do that. Well fliping through the channels I came across Joyce Myer and decided to watch. Well her message really spoke to the heart. It talked about trading you ashes for his beauty!!!!! It talked about how you can eaither accept that he can take it from you or take your ashes and have a pitty party for yourself everyday!! Hello…was she talking to me???? She went on talking about when she married her husband how she did not have a car or anything and he had somethings. Well she was trilled when they become married because what was his was hers and what was hers was his. She went on talking about have we really married Jesus? Have we given him everything and accepted the things he has given us when me truly are married to him. Not like when you are engaged…everything is still his and hers. It got me to thinkin that am I just engaed to him or have I married him yet..said yes Lord I give you all my ashes for your beauty. I had never looked at it like I was married to him but truthfully that is what it is like!! When we get married to our spouse we pare promising forever not knowing what the outcome will be, not knowing were our lives will take us. Do we do that with Christ?? Well then I got to work and read the devotioal for today and it just reconfermed to me that I need to give all my fears,troubles everything to him. Exchange it for his beauty,love,peace,forgiveness. See I have slowly got away from puting God first in my life.Went back to being the sour mother,wife and daughter of maker! that really makes me sad to think that I have not been as nice as I could have been, gave that encourageing word when I should have, just sat there being still and lisening to what God had to say to me when I sould have!! I can honestly say from the moment I got up this morning God has really changed my way of thinking and my out look on things like he never has before! What is funny to me is that I was not ready for this to happen I wanted to be the way I was and I wanted to change at the same time. Knowing what I was doing was wrong and choosing to keep acting in that way!! I can honestly say my view is a lot clearer. I don’t know where this jerney will take me but I am willing to let God walk in front and for me to follow so he can lead me to where he wants me to be! The wife,mother and daughter who builds up her family and does not tear them down and destroys them with my own words and actions!!
Hi ladies,
I need those of you who are willing to pray for the state of my heart. I have been tearing down my house, and I am actually somewhat apathetic about it. That CAN’T be good!
I have felt the prayers you have prayed for me before, and I have experienced more clarity and serenity, too, since you told me you’d be praying for me, so I am seeing that there is more power in numbers as far as prayer goes,too.
One of the things I have done in the past is to keep in mind that my actions are about my relationship with Him, not the other person concerned. I treat the other person with love, kindness, and respect because I love God and it is the right thing to do, not always because the other person deserves it. This has worked with me.
I know it sounds kindof negative to see another person as not deserving of kindness, respect, etc., but when my mind is in negative space, sometimes I have to accommodate it in order to move at all. Right actions that come of this eventually change my thinking into right thinking, too.
I know this is true, because I hated my father so much when I was growing up that I wished him dead, but when I started treating him as well as I would treat a friend, because I was advised to, and because it was the right thing to do, our relationship turned around, and became a good one. A year or so later, I could tell him I loved him and I meant it.
One other thing that came to mind along the lines of accommodating a negative mindset (in case this helps anyone) is the “negative gratitude list.” I was once told, at a time that I was so dead inside and resentful that a regular list of my blessings didn’t mean anything in my heart, to list all those bad things that should have or could have happened to me, but didn’t. Doing this
showed me how God had been with me all through those years when I thought He’d wanted nothing to do with me, and it gave me the beginnings of faith and trust in Him.
Jesus meets us where we are, sometimes we have to meet ourselves where we are, too.
This negative accomodation (that’s just a made-up term)is not an end-all or be-all state, but a stepping stone to greater things.
Thank you all :-}, and please pray for me, too.
Dianne
Today’s message by Gail fits my life to a T! I have 3 absolutely beautiful children, and a wonderful husband of 11 years that all mean the world to me. I also have a full time professional job, a home, cooking, cleaning, etc., twins about to start kindergarten, a third child in his last year of Pre-K, Church, Church activities, etc….I find it SO difficult to be able to manage ALL the demands on me and still find time to take care of myself – spiritually, physically or emotionally. I go to Church weekly, but 1 hour a week at Mass is not exactly enough. I pray daily and my husband and I try our hardest to explain and show the kids just how important it is to pray daily. But, at the end of the day, when the kids are finally in bed and I have a few minutes to ‘catch-up’, I look back at my day and the dirty house, trying to figure out what I can put in tomorrows lunch boxes and realize yet again that I still didn’t start that exercise program that I Desperately need to get started, and I STILL didn’t make time to read the bible again. Exhausted again, I sit to fold another load of laundry and sometimes, stressed beyond recognition, I cry just thinking about how horrible I was to the kids again today – gripping and yelling at everything to try to get them to do anything I ask. I realize this is not the way GOD would do it, but, I am weak, I am tired, I am human…and the devil is a horrible controlling evil that continues to try to take over. I realize daily how I NEED to read the bible more and after reading this in black and white, it is somewhat comforting to know that I am not alone. I am not the only ‘horrible’ mother who can’t control it all on her own! We all need GOD and we all have to MAKE time for him. If we make time for him, everything else will fall into place. We are Mother’s, but we can’t expect ourselves to be Perfect! We can’t expect ourselves to be all knowing or invincible – GOD the Father, GOD the Son and GOD the Holy Spirit are the only ones with that ability, and it is up to each of us to ask HIM for guidance and direction through the wonder of his glorious words.
God Bless you all for this site. It is truly inspiring to be able to read these daily devotionals and feel the love and support of all the other women out there.