Making time for God in your hectic lifestyle

… “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42.
Do you feel overwhelmed by your overloaded schedule and hectic lifestyle? Do you feel that there is simply more to do in one day than you have the time for and yet don’t know how to slow down? There are a number of reasons for this modern day phenomenon and the main one is the fast-paced society in which we live that often sets the pace of life for us.
For some, a busy lifestyle is a badge of honour, an outward symbol that they are somebody, that they are successful, or popular. They keep busy in order to gain the acceptance, praise and recognition of others.
Others stay busy to avoid dealing with a fear of failure or facing painful experiences, conflict with others, loneliness or some unconfessed sin. By keeping themselves active, they hope to silence the ache and emptiness within.
Busyness in not always a bad thing. God has entrusted each one of us with responsibilities, such as earning a living, ministering at church, and serving the community. Although we should not neglect these duties, we must guard against letting them push aside the most important things.
Some Biblical principles can guide us as we learn to say “no” to busyness and begin to live in the freedom of God’s will.
In order to determine what God considers top priorities, we need:
• To stop what we are doing,
• To wait on the Lord, alone in prayer,
• To ask Him to examine our present activities and show us what He desires for our life and work.
• To submit our time and plans to Him and to know the fulfilment that comes from accomplishing what we were created to do.
This is a difficult assignment for a busy person, but rushing ahead without clear direction from God will put you right back in the trap of endless busyness – going nowhere fast.
We, like Martha, need to hear our Lord saying, “you are worried and upset about many things!” but more important is that we ask, “what is the one thing that is needed?” Once we have received clear direction from the Lord, we need to step out in obedience and trust in Him.
A PRAYER: Lord, help us to take the time to hear and receive your Word. And then to obey you. Amen.