READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l In this sermon series on Nehemiah, it’s crucial to remember that we are designed to work from a place of rest. Neglecting regular Sabbath observance means rejecting God’s intended rhythm of work and rest. But what if overwork is unavoidable due to our current circumstances?
Nehemiah Chapter 4 provides a relevant example of handling overwhelming workloads. The chapter describes the Israelites rebuilding the wall under siege and facing enemy attacks. Despite these challenges, Nehemiah offers a model for managing intense work conditions. The five aspects of overwork highlighted in this chapter:
- Unqualified Workers: The builders were not professional craftsmen but included various untrained individuals. Similarly, we often lack formal training for the tasks at hand, necessitating increased effort on our part.
- Exhaustion: Verse 10 illustrates the workers’ physical exhaustion due to extensive debris from the destruction, highlighting the severe effects of overwork.
- Stress and Anxiety: Verses 7-8 depict a high-pressure situation where the Israelites faced threats from enemies, causing significant stress and panic. Nehemiah addressed this by strategically positioning the workers, leading to temporary relief when the enemies withdrew.
- Doubling Up: In verses 16-17, Nehemiah instructed the workers to split their duties: half continued rebuilding while the other half stood guard. This approach balanced immediate security needs with ongoing construction work.
- Working Day and Night: Verses 21-23 show that the workers were stretched to their limits, working around the clock, demonstrating the extreme demands they faced.
We often find ourselves trapped in a “black hole” of overwork, where tasks and challenges consume us. From Nehemiah’s example, we can learn valuable lessons on managing these situations. Consider these three essential questions when overworking:
1. How Long?
- Nehemiah completed the wall in 52 days without observing the Sabbath. This period of intense work had a clear endpoint: restoring the wall, city, and people, and fulfilling God’s covenant. Beyond this, such intensity was unsustainable.
- Many mistakenly view overwork as normal and acceptable. Unlike Nehemiah’s focused effort, some equate excessive work with dedication, driven by the fear of appearing lazy. This contrasts with God’s design for rest, similar to the harsh conditions faced by the Israelites under Pharaoh in Exodus.
- Reflect on the nature of your work:
o Am I building or hoarding?
o Am I restoring or accumulating?
o Am I more concerned with task completion or others’ perceptions of my productivity? - Pastor Timothy Keller’s experience in Manhattan illustrates this. He worked intensely for three years but extended this period, only to realise he was addicted to high productivity. Overwork should be temporary, not the norm. We must follow the rhythm of rest that God has designed for us.
2. For Whom?
- Nehemiah emphasised fighting for the people, not just the wall. He urged the Israelites to protect their community, highlighting that overwork can lead us to forget about those around us, treating them as mere objects rather than fellow humans.
- Christina Maslach’s burnout inventory identifies three core signs:
o Emotional exhaustion
o Depersonalisation (cynicism)
o Reduced personal accomplishment - Burnout causes us to view people as objects, leading to negativity and detachment. To combat burnout, we need a supportive community that offers compassion and sets limits on our work. Supporting each other ensures that our work benefits the community rather than just ourselves.
- People often leave environments where they feel undervalued or only noticed when things go wrong. We must be kind, compassionate, and respectful, and set responsible limits on work.
3. With Whom?
- Nehemiah reminded the people to focus on God, not their fears. He reassured them of God’s presence and support against their enemies. When overwhelmed, it’s crucial to remember that God is with us, which can transform our outlook and morale.
- An analogy can be drawn from Windsor Castle, built for defense near the River Thames. The presence of the king or queen signified hope and resilience during a siege. Similarly, knowing that God is with us provides hope and strength in difficult circumstances.
- When undertaking tasks God has called us to, even if stretched to our limits, it is worthwhile because God is with us. Christ shows that in our struggles, He remains with us to the end. God will never abandon us, regardless of the challenges we face.
In conclusion, Nehemiah Chapter 4 teaches us to manage overwork by setting limits on its duration, focusing on the well-being of others, and relying on God’s presence. Despite feeling unqualified, exhausted, or stressed, we can trust that God remains sovereign and with us through all seasons of overwork. We must balance our efforts with rest and community support, continuing to trust in God as our ultimate hope.
(Sermon notes by Alex Choe)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Have you experienced seasons in your life where you just had to overwork? What were the circumstances like?
- How do you determine when the season for overworking should come to an end? Do you set boundaries for yourself?
- Who are the people that benefit most directly from the work that you do? In what way is your work important to them?
- If you cannot imagine God being invested in your work, does that change your commitment to it?
