In January, I made many resolutions and energetically created a schedule to make each day as productive as it could be. That sounds good. It was good. But I didn’t realize how much my own made-up “busy” schedule was taking away from my peace and ability to hear from the Lord.
Schedules have their value. Don’t get me wrong. But sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to throw out the schedule for the day (if possible) and just sit and listen. I know many of you cannot do this. Many are busy with school, jobs and family. Some of us are just busy surviving. But no matter how busy you are, there is time somewhere in your day or night to put down the laundry, turn off the television, leave the dirty dishes in the sink, and sit in silence. It’s okay. I’m giving you permission. (smile)
A friend wrote in an e-mail that as she had been praying for me, she was led to pray God would help me choose His priorities for my life. This was a powerful word. It’s so easy to get drawn into the world’s priorities. Though her prayer was directed toward my life, it is indeed a prayer we could all use. If our energy is spent on anything not important to the Lord, it is really of no value.
I have to admit, when I got this word from my friend, it scared me a little. For a moment, I thought…”How do I know the Lord’s priorities? How will I know?” But almost as quickly as the voice of fear spoke up, it was drowned out by a deeper whisper inside my soul. “Sit with me, and you will know.”
It’s funny. God not only gave His people permission to be still for a whole day, He commanded it! Need I write anything more?
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
Much love,
andy
