7 Verses to Help Conquer Your Crazy Life

Why All the Crazy in My Life?

Why must every day be like this? Or maybe it’s just every other week. Regardless of what days or weeks are involved, the insanity of an overcrowded, busy life takes a toll on my soul. It’s the never ending to-do list, the overactive schedule between family, work and ministry, and the personal obligations I feel I need to hold on to that keep me searching for less of the bogged down life and more of a freedom filled life. So what will it take for me to conquer this crazy life and when will enough be enough?

I have been intentional over the past five years to slow down, saying NO to things that aren’t important, and relinquishing the need to do it all. But lately, I’ve found myself allowing some extra stuff to creep back in. Why would I do that when I’ve worked so hard to rid my life of the unnecessary baggage? Because our culture says we can have it all and we believe it. While the belief is both powerful and deceptive, it’s also false and dangerous.

Taking On Too Much

By nature I’m a problem solver and a fixer. That sometimes leads me to taking on too much. For example, if I take on more writing projects in my ministry then I can give readers more content. If I take on an extra responsibility at work I’ll be helping someone out of a bind. If there’s a problem to be fixed, my hand shoots straight up as if I can save the world because I say I can.

But when I do that, it’s like managing a 1,000 ring circus instead of the traditional three ring circus from days gone by. Out of the hundreds and maybe thousands of connections, relationships and obligations I deal with on a daily basis only a modest amount of those hold a genuine place in my heart. It’s only through sheer, brute force and Jesus Christ that I manage the impossible and resist the temptation to do more.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.” (Matthew 11:28-29 GNTD)

When Crazy Meets Reality

Nothing confirmed my crazy life more than a recent visit with a friend. We talked about our families, jobs, projects we are working on and life in general. At the end of the conversation she paused for a moment and then asked, “Do you love any of it?” What? Where did that come from? Didn’t I sound like I was loving it? It was then I realized that she heard something in my voice that indicated otherwise. So I responded truthfully and without guilt. “Some of it I’m loving less and less.”

Those words were a pivotal turning point for me. Thankfully I felt God reminding me, yet again, to ease up on the tough daily grind and remain committed to His purpose for a lighter schedule without the extra guilt. I’m continuing to prioritize what means the most to me and what has to go. God’s provision is amazing and while I really do love some parts of my fast-paced life, the older I get, the more determined I am in to reign in the craziness, that can often resemble a bull in a china closet. Instead, I’m choosing to keep my eyes on Him and remain diligent about staying in control and giving my best YES to the things I value most.  

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

Overtime I’ve gained a lot of experience at living through the crazy seasons of life. Here are 7 verses I rely on to help tame my need to step beyond what I’m supposed to and instead maintain more of the manageable, joy-filled life that I desire.

7 Verses to Tame Your Crazy Life

1. Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (GNTD)
2. Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories. Isaiah 41:10 (CEV)
3. The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love. Zephaniah 3:17 (CEV)
4. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
5. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
6. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. (Matthew 6:33 NLT)
7. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary,who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[ Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NIV

What Do You Need to Change?

What drives you to take on too many obligations? Can you determine a root cause?

How can you change or adjust your schedule to focus on the important things?

I’m praying for you this week as you find balance and peace.