We live in the most hectic, fast-paced, stressed-out culture in history.  Our society is changing more rapidly than ever before.  Sociologists speak of these days as "whitewater" times. 

The apostles were honest with their new converts: "We must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Jesus warned us, "In this world you will have trouble." But then he said, "Take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

We are working on average 20 percent more hours per week than we were in 1973. But the quality of our lives is not improving; in fact, it is suffering. Recent studies report that 60 percent of successful professionals suffer from chronic stress and depression. 48 percent of top corporate executives report that their lives are empty and meaningless.

Matthew 11:28-30