If you haven’t read the previous posts in this series on rejoicing and prioritization, they may be helpful. For today, I want to encourage you to act when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Act

Most people are familiar with the phrase “paralysis by analysis.” Sometimes when we are overwhelmed, the feeling of being overwhelmed and trying to decide where to start freezes us from action and we end up being counterproductive. Don’t overanalyze things. Just start to do something. It may be better to do something that isn’t the highest priority than to do nothing at all.

And watch that you aren’t using the sense of being overwhelmed as a cover for laziness. It’s acceptable in our society to feel down once in a while and even get depressed, but that can be abused.

[Pro 6:9-11 LSB] 9 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”– 11 Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your want like an armed man.

I am not advocating ill-advised movement in any direction, but sometimes just starting will help you pick up inertia having the dual effect of reducing your total burden while busying you enough that maybe your mind can relax.

In the next post, I will explain your need for appropriate rest.