Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I am faced with what feels like 101 things to do. I wonder how I am going to do everything, be available to who needs me, teach the kids, get my work done, keep the house in some semblance of order, control the washing flowing out of my laundry and still have some me time.
It’s the questions we all ask….”How do we make time? And how do we give time to what is really important, rather than to what simply looks urgent?”
Most people if they are honest, really do want to have fruitful, meaningful lives. It’s just that life and all it’s “stuff” often becomes a little overwhelming and we can end up feeling like our day consists of a juggling act.
So the question is, “How do we make time and utilise the most our of our days?” “How do we still achieve all that we need and desire to do?”
Jesus is known as the greatest leader and teacher the world has ever seen. So it stands to reason that it might be a good idea to take the time to read and give thought to His words to help us answer these issues.
Matthew Chapter 6 in the bible tells of a day when a great multitude of people were crowding around Jesus as he talked. Everyone was eager to hear His words and the answers to these very questions. This was Jesus’ answer. “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? …….. Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen colour and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.”
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?”
“What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.”
“Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” “Seek me first, and my way of doing things”. (Matthew 6:29-34)
Jesus is saying that He will bring all things together to make our lives full and meaningful. He says, “Seek Me first at the start of your day and I will direct your steps.” He wants us to trust that He will perfect all that concerns us. Even though there will be seasons and transition points in our lives we don’t need to be stressed. When we practice starting our day and following His leading He promises that the things in our hearts will start to come to pass, but without all the struggle and striving. God wants us to trust Him to complete what He has started in us. He doesn’t leave anything, including us unfinished, for in His hands we are perfected!
“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever.” (Psalm 138:8)
Make a habit first thing in the morning of taking the time with Jesus and finding out His way of doing things for the day. He promises when we do that, He will make everything make sense, help us have time for what is important and bring meaning and fulfilment to our lives.
Prayer: Lord please help me to remember to spend time with you and to talk with you as I start my day. Thank you that as I do you promise you will direct and guide my steps and cause me to live a life of purpose and meaning. In Jesus Name Amen.