Taking the Overwhelm Out of Obedience

“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”

- 1 John 5:3 (NLT)

Let’s be real—obedience to God isn’t always easy. Sometimes it comes with uncertainty, stretching, or surrender that feels uncomfortable. But what if we stopped equating obedience with overwhelm? God never meant for your “yes” to weigh you down. In fact, when we respond in faith—even in small steps—He meets us with grace, guidance, and provision.

Obedience isn’t about perfection; it’s about posture. When your heart is yielded and your ears are open, God can do more with your surrender than you ever could with your strategy.

📖 1 John 5:3 (NLT) - “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”

Following God doesn’t have to feel like pressure—it can be peace-filled, purposeful, and deeply freeing.

✨ Here is what I've learned

1. God’s Will Was Never Meant to Be Heavy

When obedience starts to feel crushing, we probably added pressure God never intended. His commandments are rooted in love, and they come with His help.

2. Peace Follows Surrender

We don’t have to have all the answers to move forward. Often, the moment we say “yes,” we unlock peace that surpasses understanding. God honors our obedience by meeting us with clarity and calm.

3. Daily Steps Matter More Than Giant Leaps

Obedience isn’t always a big, dramatic move. It’s the consistent, faithful response to the nudges of the Holy Spirit. When you focus on one step at a time, overwhelm loses its power.

Reflect & Journal:

• Exodus 14:14 (NIV) – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

• Joshua 1:9 (NIV) – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

• Matthew 11:28 (NIV) – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Sometimes the overwhelm we feel in obedience isn’t because the assignment is too big—but because our rhythms are out of alignment. When we simplify, surrender, and restructure the way we show up each day, obedience becomes sustainable, not stressful.

🔄 Rhythm Shifts: Sustainable Obedience

Here are three intentional rhythm shifts to help you walk in obedience from a place of peace and purpose:

1. From Pressure to Partnership

➡️ Old Rhythm: Feeling like it’s all on you to get it right.

➡️ New Rhythm: Co-laboring with the Holy Spirit every step of the way.

🪴 Why this matters:

God never intended for you to carry the weight of obedience alone. When you shift from performing to partnering, you start to obey from a posture of grace instead of grind. Invite the Holy Spirit into your plans and pace. Ask: “Holy Spirit, what does obedience look like today?” One step at a time is still obedience.

2. From Hustle to Heart-Check

➡️ Old Rhythm: Rushing into obedience just to “get it done.”

➡️ New Rhythm: Pausing to align your motives and trust God’s timing.

🪴 Why this matters:

God cares more about how we obey. Before checking off the next spiritual to-do list item, ask yourself: “Am I doing this from love or from obligation?” This shift moves your obedience from transactional to transformational—and makes space for joy along the journey.

3. From Scattered Surrender to Strategic Stillness

➡️ Old Rhythm: Saying yes to everything, then burning out.

➡️ New Rhythm: Practicing stillness so you can discern the right yes.

🪴 Why this matters:

Not every good thing is a God thing. When you quiet your mind and calendar long enough to hear His whisper, you’ll find clarity. Strategic stillness lets you say “yes” with confidence instead of confusion. Schedule time each week to ask: “Lord, is this what you’ve called me to do—or what I’ve picked up on my own?”

Pray This Prayer:

Dear God, thank you that your ways are not meant to burden me but to bless me. Teach me how to walk in obedience without carrying unnecessary pressure. Help me to trust that every “yes” I give you is producing fruit—even when I can’t see it yet. I surrender my striving and receive your strength today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Journal Prompts:

1. What’s one area of obedience I’ve been overcomplicating or resisting?

2. How do I normally respond when God leads me outside my comfort zone?

3. What would it look like to obey from a place of rest instead of striving?

Say this out loud today:

“I release the pressure to perform and embrace the peace of partnership with God. My obedience doesn’t depend on my perfection—it flows from my trust. Today, I choose to obey from a place of rest, not rush, and I believe that every step of faith is leading me closer to God’s best for my life.”

Here are my final thoughts:

You don’t have to have every detail figured out to say yes to God. Stillness and surrender often lead to the strength you’ve been searching for.

God’s presence goes before your obedience. When you step out of your comfort zone, you’ll find His courage waiting for you there.

True obedience flows from peace, not pressure. When you rest in God’s love, obedience becomes a natural response—not a heavy requirement.

💛 Ready to Build Rhythms of Purpose with Support?

Inside the Live Love Lead Inner Circle, we’re building faith-filled lives one rhythm at a time—with community, encouragement, and intentional guidance.

🎯 Inside the Inner Circle, you’ll find:

• Monthly Bible reading plans with journal prompts

• Live mentorship and prayer nights

• A private group chat for real conversation

• Special discounts on Live Love Lead Events

• And space to be fully you — seen, supported, and spiritually strengthened

✨ You don’t have to do this alone.

👉🏽 Join the Inner Circle now — we’re saving you a seat.

Let’s go live, love, and lead well—together. 🥳💛

💭 Now pause…

What is God speaking to you in this moment?

Grab your Live Love Lead Journal and write it down — because Spirit-led builders don’t just dream, they document. You can get your copy and track what God is building in you and through you by CLICKING HERE.

Join the Live Love Lead Community — a space created for women like you who are ready to live boldly, lead confidently, and stay aligned with Heaven as they build.

💛 Come be equipped, encouraged, and empowered for your next season. Click here to join us.

Let’s build what God showed you — together.

I love you with the love of Christ! ~ April Nicole Scipio 💛