One of the things that many of us struggle with today in life is differentiating between what is relevant and what isn’t. All too often, we get consumed with what’s happening on a reality TV show, or the next thing poppin’ on social media, and we kinda get lost in that world. We begin to talk about what others around us talk about, and pretty soon our focus becomes less and less about God’s business, and more on what folks are wearing and how badly they are behaving. Sometimes we need a spiritual reality check, something that pulls our attention away from the world and puts it squarely on what Christ is doing in us and for us.
In our day and time, we have every technological gadget a person can think of. We not only have smart phones, but smart TVs…appliances…even smart homes. All of this to make our lives easier and provide us with more time. We have more conveniences than we can shake a stick at, yet we seem to have less time. Some of us are running so fast that we can’t even catch up with ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with having a busy life, but as spiritual daughters of the Most High, it behooves us to take a closer look at the impact of our task-packed schedules.
The goal is always to accomplish as much as we can in as little time as possible. So a lot of us take a check-mark approach to our schedules, mentally or literally checking off tasks as we complete them. Not a bad approach, but there’s always a possibility of getting lost in this as well, because as soon as we check off something on our lists, something else gets added. It can turn into a never-ending cycle that depletes our resources very quickly.
In Matthew 6:33, God shed considerable light about the subject of prioritization. He tells us to seek Him first. To get a closer look at this, let’s examine a conversation that David had with his son, Solomon in 1Kings 2. This is very meaningful because David was in his last days upon this earth, and as customary, was passing on his legacy to his son. It is also important for us to keep in mind the extraordinary legacy this was; to lead God’s people, the Children of Israel. It was no small feat.
No doubt there were endless political details that could have been discussed, not to mention the other nuances and tasks that came with the job, but as he counseled his young son, David did not focus his attention on those things. In 2Kings 2:3(NLT), he said, “Observe the requirements of the LORD your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.” It is important for us to see both the simplicity and straightforwardness of David’s directive. It bypasses trivialities and eventualities. David had firsthand experience of Matthew 6:33. He knew that seeking God first provided the glue that held everything else together. If Solomon heeded his father’s words to follow God’s ways and be obedient to Him, all other blessings would follow.
In Romans 8:28 (NKJV), God tells us through the Apostle Paul, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” It’s a privilege to witness the repetitive evidence of this truth walked out over the span of a lifetime. ALL THINGS, without exception, work together for the total good of those that God has called. No matter what it is, it’s going to work out in our favor if we stick to the advice that David gave his son, to follow God’s ways and be obedient to His Word.
In 1Kings 2:4 (NKJV), David further affirmed, “If you do this, then the LORD will keep the promise he made to me. He told me, ‘If your descendants live as they should and follow me faithfully with all their heart and soul, one of them will always sit on the throne of Israel.’” Take a look at the consistency of reign and blessings that the Lord promised as a result of following His Word. It is exactly the same for us. This is why it is so important that we remain focused on God, and not allow ourselves to be sidetracked by all the diversions the enemy sends our way.
The enemy does not want you to make time for God. This is something we must be well aware of. The tactics he uses to steal our focus are subtle and they come in unsuspecting wrappings. The next thing you know, you’re feeling overwhelmed with an overpacked schedule. Tag-alongs that come with this are also a lack of energy and an inability to concentrate. These are indicators that we may be operating from a reservoir that is already running low.
Heavenly Father never intended for us to become so task-oriented that we forget the most important aspect of life and living. He’s watching as we slip further away from the purpose for which He’s called us. This is a problem for which there is a readily available solution. James 4:8 (NLT) very clearly tells us, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
We need to slow down, and come close to God. It should be our number one priority, regardless of anything else on our plates. It is to our extreme benefit to make time to mediate on His Word, to pray, and to simply have a conversation with Him through the Holy Spirit. This is what nurtures our soul and keeps us in a place where we can receive information and stay on point with a continual boost of power and energy from the Spirit within. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
“Too Busy to Slow Down” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2017. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.