Life can feel like a never-ending whirlwind sometimes. Between work, family, friends, social obligations, and just keeping up with daily tasks, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on empty. As women, we often feel the weight of having to juggle it all. And it’s hard to shake the feeling that we’re never doing enough. But here’s the good news: God didn’t create us to live in constant overwhelm. In fact, He gives us clear guidance in the Bible on how to prioritise what truly matters, let go of guilt when we say “no,” and find rest in His grace.
In this article, we’re going to explore some biblical principles that can help us reclaim our time, focus on what matters most, and embrace the peace that comes from trusting God with everything in our lives.
1. Practical Steps on How to Prioritise What Truly Matters, Grounded in Scripture
It feels like there are a million things to do and not enough hours in the day. Knowing where to focus can be a huge challenge. But the Bible offers some simple yet powerful principles to help us figure out what truly matters and how to keep our priorities aligned with God’s purpose for us.
Seek God First
If there’s one thing we can take from Scripture when it comes to priorities, it’s this: Seek God first. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This verse is like a life map—when we put God first, everything else will fall into place.
It sounds simple, but it’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to check in with God. Seeking Him first isn’t just about opening your Bible first thing in the morning (although that’s a great start!). it’s about inviting God into every decision you make, big or small. When you’re planning your day, whether it’s managing work or scheduling family time, ask God for His wisdom. His peace will guide you. And suddenly, all the chaos doesn’t seem as overwhelming.
Eternal vs. Temporary
There’s a lot in life that pulls for our attention—work, social media, the pressure to be perfect, and the demands of others. But Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” What really matters in the grand scheme of things? Is it chasing after temporary things like material possessions? Or keeping up with everyone else’s expectations? Or is it living a life that reflects God’s love and purpose for you?
The best way to learn how to prioritise what truly matters is to ask yourself, Is this thing I’m spending time on helping me grow spiritually or draw closer to God? If not, it might be time to step back and reassess. This doesn’t mean you should neglect everything else, but it’s a reminder to focus on what’s eternal—things like your relationship with God, your family, and your spiritual growth.
Simplify Your Commitments
We live in a world that encourages us to say “yes” to everything. From work projects to social events, it can feel like you have to do it all to be successful or liked. But Jesus showed us that sometimes, less is more. In Mark 1:35, we read, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Jesus, the Son of God, took time away from the crowds to rest and reconnect with God. If He needed to do that, we certainly do too!
Take a moment to evaluate your commitments. Are there things you’re saying “yes” to simply out of obligation or guilt? It’s okay to say “no.” Saying “no” isn’t about being selfish—it’s about protecting your time and energy for what really matters. Simplifying your commitments allows you to be more present with the things and people that matter most. It helps us learn to prioritise what truly matters.
2. Letting Go of Guilt When Saying “No” to Distractions
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to say no, especially when you don’t want to disappoint anyone or feel like you’re missing out. Many of us are conditioned to believe that saying “no” is a sign of failure or selfishness. But the truth is, setting boundaries and learning how to prioritise what truly matters is important for your well-being is both wise and biblical.
Know Your Identity in Christ
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul writes, “We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” This is a reminder that we don’t need to live to meet other people’s expectations. Our worth isn’t tied to how many things we say “yes” to or how much we can do for others. Our worth is in Christ, and He calls us to live for Him, not for the approval of others.
If you’re struggling to say “no,” remember that God is more concerned with your obedience to Him than with how many things you can squeeze into your schedule. Saying “no” is often an act of obedience—it’s a way of protecting your time and your heart so you can be more fully present with God and with the people who truly need you.
Trust God’s Timing
Psalm 31:15 says, “My times are in Your hands.” God is the one who has control over our time, and He knows what we need. When you say “no” to a commitment, trust that God has a better plan for that time. Instead of rushing to say “yes” to everything, ask God for clarity on what He wants you to focus on. Trust that He will provide the opportunities you need at the right time.
Sometimes, saying no is simply a way to make space for God to move in your life. And when you trust His timing, you can rest easy knowing that you’re not missing out on anything He doesn’t want for you. It’s another part of learning how to prioritise what truly matters.
Boundaries Are Healthy
Jesus set boundaries throughout His ministry, and we can do the same. In Luke 5:16, it says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Even when the crowds were demanding His attention, He knew when to step away and be refreshed. Setting boundaries is not about being unkind or unavailable; it’s about recognizing that you have limits, and that’s okay.
If you feel guilty about saying no, remember that setting healthy boundaries is necessary for your spiritual, emotional, and physical health. God calls us to love others, but we can only love others well when we take care of ourselves first.
3. Embracing God’s Grace and Finding Rest in Him
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life and forget that God invites us to rest. In fact, He commands it. We are not meant to work ourselves into the ground. God offers us grace and rest, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us.
Rest in God’s Presence
Matthew 11:28 offers a beautiful invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus is offering more than just physical rest; He’s offering soul-deep peace. When we come to Him with our burdens—whether they’re big or small—He promises to give us rest.
This rest isn’t about taking a nap (although that can be part of it!), but about reconnecting with God and trusting that He’s got everything under control. When we take time to be still and quiet before Him, He gives us the strength and peace we need to keep moving forward.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Many of us struggle with perfectionism. We feel like we have to do everything perfectly to be valuable. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t call us to be perfect. He calls us to be faithful. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we read, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Resting in God’s grace means accepting that we don’t have to earn His love or His approval. We don’t have to be perfect. We just need to show up, do our best, and trust that He will take care of the rest.
Take Rest Seriously
God commanded rest for a reason. In Genesis 2:2-3, after creating the world, He rested on the seventh day. This wasn’t because He was tired, but because He wanted to model for us the importance of rest. When we rest, we acknowledge that God is in control. And we can trust Him with our work and our worries.
Whether it’s taking a day off each week or simply setting aside time each day to quiet your mind and heart, rest is a vital part of managing your time and priorities. When you embrace God’s gift of rest, you’ll find that you’re more productive, more present, and more at peace.
Conclusion
Reclaiming your time and learning how to prioritise what truly matters isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what truly matters. When we seek God first, set healthy boundaries, and rest in His grace, we open the door for peace in our lives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that God’s love and grace are enough. Trust Him with your time, and He will guide you to a life that’s centered, balanced, and full of His peace. Let go of the distractions, rest in Him, and allow His peace to wash over you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MERRY USMAN is an experienced writer and SEO specialist with a passion for creating compelling narratives that connect with readers. She enjoys writing about faith-based topics and helping believers find meaningful ways to express their devotion.
The post From Overwhelmed to Peaceful appeared first on Living With Margins and has been reproduced with permission.
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