The Value of Time
We are consumed by everything that needs to be done ‘right now.’ There are so
many things that pull on us mentally and emotionally, and it affects us physically.
One thing I told my sons, “Gauge yourself by taking time for self-care.”
There will always be demands on you, perhaps placed on you by others, or
demands you place on yourself. At times, my husband tells me to slow down on
my driving. His comment is that so many people drive fast to make the light and
the light always turns red and catches them. They drive fast to get nowhere but to
the red light. If we are constantly on the fast track of life, it would be so easy to
push God right out of our daily schedule. There is safety in taking our time. (Of
course, perhaps I’m talking to the choir!) God requires our time; it is called
fellowship. Waiting on God is a learned intentional practice.
Anything you don’t give time to really isn’t that important in your life. You will
give time and space to whatever is important to you. Being on the treadmill of life
may cause many regrets in the long run. Time can’t be retrieved; a person cannot
go back and make up lost time with their family. Work will always be there and
there will always be someone to fill your spot once you are gone. When our kids
were growing up, I regret the times we missed a track meet, or baseball or
basketball game. It is critical to stop and evaluate your priorities.
Our relationship with the Lord is our top priority. God is forever speaking, but who
is listening? There are times we get so busy either spiritually or naturally that we
have our spiritual hearing aids turn off. God has designed us to have the capacity to
focus but He never designed us to leave Him out of our life equation. Being busy
on a regular basis will stunt our spiritual growth. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and
take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps 27:14 NIV). Strengthening your heart means
coming into agreement with God’s Word and taking time to allow it to saturate
your very soul, to be strong and equipped to face life challenges head on.
Christians become weak when they don’t close the door to the noise of the world.
Have you ever noticed when you are still to spend time with the Lord, thoughts
will cross your mind about all kinds of things, like you need to do laundry, load the
dish washer right quick? Just crazy thoughts. That interference is the Devil trying
to STEAL YOUR FOCUS with the Lord. Waiting on God is a practice of stilling
yourself and allowing your Heavenly Father to interact with you. Learn how to
mentally push things out. Regularly being in the presence of God sharpens us
mentally, stirs our creativity, teaches us, builds us up, the list goes on.
Are you able to handle the ‘dump load of life?’ If you’ve become spiritually
empty, spend time in the presence of God and be renewed. “Even youths grow
tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa 40:30-31 NIV)
many things that pull on us mentally and emotionally, and it affects us physically.
One thing I told my sons, “Gauge yourself by taking time for self-care.”
There will always be demands on you, perhaps placed on you by others, or
demands you place on yourself. At times, my husband tells me to slow down on
my driving. His comment is that so many people drive fast to make the light and
the light always turns red and catches them. They drive fast to get nowhere but to
the red light. If we are constantly on the fast track of life, it would be so easy to
push God right out of our daily schedule. There is safety in taking our time. (Of
course, perhaps I’m talking to the choir!) God requires our time; it is called
fellowship. Waiting on God is a learned intentional practice.
Anything you don’t give time to really isn’t that important in your life. You will
give time and space to whatever is important to you. Being on the treadmill of life
may cause many regrets in the long run. Time can’t be retrieved; a person cannot
go back and make up lost time with their family. Work will always be there and
there will always be someone to fill your spot once you are gone. When our kids
were growing up, I regret the times we missed a track meet, or baseball or
basketball game. It is critical to stop and evaluate your priorities.
Our relationship with the Lord is our top priority. God is forever speaking, but who
is listening? There are times we get so busy either spiritually or naturally that we
have our spiritual hearing aids turn off. God has designed us to have the capacity to
focus but He never designed us to leave Him out of our life equation. Being busy
on a regular basis will stunt our spiritual growth. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and
take heart and wait for the Lord” (Ps 27:14 NIV). Strengthening your heart means
coming into agreement with God’s Word and taking time to allow it to saturate
your very soul, to be strong and equipped to face life challenges head on.
Christians become weak when they don’t close the door to the noise of the world.
Have you ever noticed when you are still to spend time with the Lord, thoughts
will cross your mind about all kinds of things, like you need to do laundry, load the
dish washer right quick? Just crazy thoughts. That interference is the Devil trying
to STEAL YOUR FOCUS with the Lord. Waiting on God is a practice of stilling
yourself and allowing your Heavenly Father to interact with you. Learn how to
mentally push things out. Regularly being in the presence of God sharpens us
mentally, stirs our creativity, teaches us, builds us up, the list goes on.
Are you able to handle the ‘dump load of life?’ If you’ve become spiritually
empty, spend time in the presence of God and be renewed. “Even youths grow
tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa 40:30-31 NIV)