When our "to do" list is
a mile long, we feel the pressure to get everything on the list done. We check
off each item as we accomplish it, and we feel lighter and more capable with
each finished project. Our identity is wrapped up in what we do.
The problem, however, is that we
have to keep adding new, demanding duties and obligations to our list. It is
never-ending; and we get weary, because we rarely have "down" time to
enjoy our hobbies, sit on the porch swing, read a book, or watch a movie or sports
program.
Our soul - our thoughts, emotions
and choices - starts to suffer and we groan inwardly, take short breaths
instead of deep ones. This causes us to suffer in body, soul and spirit from
stress and demands. We are too tired, listless and apathetic to enjoy life.
Even
pursuing religious activities can prevent us from doing God's will for our life
(Matthew 7:23). Jesus made it clear that He could do nothing of himself, but
only that which He saw our Father do, because He drew His strength, direction
and joy from living in the center of our Father's will for Him (John 5:19).
Jesus'
example is a vital key for us. We learn to enter God's rest and to be led by
His Spirit. We wait on the Lord with courage and hope, because He gives us the
strength to continue on, even when we are weary of doing good (Psalm 27:14,
69:3, 130:5; Galatians 6:9).
Our Father God actually calls us to
choose to take time out of our schedule to play (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25). He also exhorts us to sit and quietly read and meditate
on His Word. All through the day, we can listen to His guidance, sing His
praises, and give Him thanks for all that He has already done and is doing for
us.
We have a choice to follow the list
we make of our own plans, which are often outside of God's will for us, or to
wait on the Lord for His direction in each moment of our day. As we seek Him
first, He provides us with everything we need to live a fulfilled life (Matthew
6:33).
Prayer:
Father
God, remind us to judge our own motives, thoughts, words and actions according
to Your precepts rather than by the standards of this world. Our identity and
feelings of accomplishment should actually come from our intimate relationship
with You, rather than from how many activities in which we participate each
day.
Help
us to live like a thermostat to regulate the temperature in the world around
us, instead of as a thermometer, which just registers the status quo. We want
to make a difference in our world and to further Your Kingdom in the earth, instead
of accomplishing our own agenda. We seek Your face each moment of the day, and
we obey Your Spirit's guidance rather than to force our self into some other
mold.
Thought
for the Day:
Waiting
on the Lord is as important to our soul and spirit as breathing is to our body;
then, as the Spirit of God directs us, we can go out into our world and spend
our energy telling others what He has done for us, lending a helping hand to
those in need, or listening to a broken heart and encouraging someone who is
drowning in despair.
-
Proverbs 8:3
