Why Connecting with God Takes Precedence Over Everything Else

Let it Go

Finally, I’m cutting the cord to this busy life. Yep, as in, I’m. So. Over. It. Done! I can actually feel the weight lifting from my mind and heart. Please don’t think breaking the busy cycle is easy–it isn’t, and it’s not over. I’m not out of the woods yet. Nothing about lightening the load comes without sacrifice. Thankfully I recognize the sacrifices as mere distractions and earthly priorities that have contributed to this barrage of busy. If I’m truly going to regain the quieter, simpler life I long for, then connecting with God takes precedence over everything else.

“Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 NLT

The Daily Grind

As I make choices to release the extra commitments in my life, I know the decision to do so comes from intentional prayer and focus. Because of that, I can see light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. The day to day grind, coupled with my own interests have taken a toll personally, emotionally and physically. This busy life reminds me of the wash, rinse, dry, repeat cycle. Over and over again we do the same thing. We make time for the earthly priorities that eventually crowd out the eternal ones. That’s when we find out, it’s not what we say, but what we do, that matters most.  

That’s when we find out, It’s not what we say, but what we do, that matters most.

Powered By the Tweet This Plugin

Tweet This

When Busy Brings Exhaustion

Day in and day out, we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. We should tread lightly with our schedules. Many of you work full time jobs, manage endless to-do lists, attend meetings, take care of families and homes, and serve as a full time taxi service for kids and their activities. I remember that season of life, but now it seems the exhaustion cycle is of my own making. I mentioned last week that a sweet friend told me, “You like busy.” Yeah…..not so much, anymore. I still cringe when I think about her words, but it was the good, swift kick in the pants I needed to make change.

Man’s Approval or God’s Approval?

Some where along the way I let ‘yes’ become a way of life. How can I ever give my best yes if I’m running around in circles, covered up by things that don’t matter? It’s not as though the person who has the busiest schedule wins. [Surely I never thought that.] There is no winning–only exhaustion, frustration, emotional suffering, physical wear and tear and fractured relationships. I’ve known for a long time I was doing too much, but I didn’t want to face it—even when those closest to me provided gentle reminders. Was I doing all of this for man’s approval or God’s approval? I know for sure it isn’t man’s approval that matters, but I also couldn’t see God shining in this messy, busy life. So instead of giving up, I re-evaluated what I was doing and made a plan. 

“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” John 15:19 NLT

Here are 4 Ways to Make Your Time Mean Something

1. Make your God-time daily.

This is a non-negotiable. You can be flexible about the time of day, but the point is, make your time with the Father count. Listen to a podcast or a playlist of songs you love. Spend time in your Bible. His Word gives you wisdom and strength. Pray without ceasing. Read a devotional or take up Bible journaling. Bottomline–don’t let God have what’s left of you. Start your day with Him.

2. Evaluate how you’re spending your time.

Prioritize what is most important. Make a list of all you’re involved in and then eliminate what needs to go. I miss the days of having more time at home. I’ve always been involved in things I loved, but I guess when my girl child went off to college I filled my time with unnecessary things. All were meant for good, but soon they took over. No more. 

3. Surround yourself with godly influences.

Be thoughtful about the TV shows you’re watching and the music you’re listening to. Are they promoting Christ-like values? Are your conversations steeped in godly fellowship or wrapped in gossip and falsehoods? Think about who and what surrounds you. We are to love others as Christ loved us, but we are to be discerning with our actions and filter what we allow in our hearts.  

4. Keep things simple sister.  

Now’s the perfect time to be diligent and intentional with what you fill your schedule with. Are those committees really worth the time spent? Did you need another meeting to attend? Has your volunteering gotten out of hand? Every time someone or something makes a request on your time, THINK about what you’re giving up. EVALUATE what your yes or no does to you and your family.  

Give God Your Best

Related: https://activechristianity.org/how-can-i-find-time-for-god-when-life-is-so-busy and http://kristinmilner.com/2019/03/03/life-changing-podcasts-for-christian-women/

I am praying for your time with God to be special and meaningful. Give Him your very best you every day–He wants all of you, not just part of you. Eliminate the busy so you can have the simpler life you want and remember, connecting with God takes precedence over everything else.

Blessings,