How do you feel at the end of your day?
Taking a few minutes to analyze our daily and weekly schedule provides organization and consistency to our lives. Although we cannot anticipate unexpected challenges, we should prioritize our day-to-day responsibilities. Becoming aware of unnecessary interruptions not only allows us to establish boundaries, but we can also fulfill God’s plan for our day. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Busyness is intrusive and often goes unnoticed. Waking hours easily melt into night and before we realize it, our sleeping hours are significantly reduced. Too much on our agenda propels the aging process. It is not difficult to recognize the individuals who do not get enough rest. Their eyes and facial expressions reveal the effect of ongoing mental and physical fatigue.
Thankfully, God provides us with the mercies of a new day. But have you considered the time that you set aside to worship God? Even more devastating is the impact that lack of rest has on our relationship with God. We cannot engage in the depth of worship required for spiritual growth when we have overtaxed our minds and bodies. Falling asleep while reading the Bible or saying a three or four word prayer prevents us from receiving the much-needed spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical renewal and refreshment from the Holy Spirit.
God Speaks On Not Putting Him First
You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14.
Identifying the demands that prevent mental and physical rest is the first step to changing our lifestyle. Self-denial is required to shut down the stimuli that keep our minds in a constant whirlwind. Too much time on social media, ongoing phone conversations, texting, and placing too many errands on the to-do lists leaves us burned-out. Always taking on the responsibility of being the go-to person also puts us in a lose-lose situation. Time wasted can never be retrieved.
Remember, spiritual warfare includes the temptations from the evil one. It is Satan’s plan to keep us distracted by presenting opportunities that we chase after. Chaos and confusion are not of God. The Creation story gives us the perfect example of the structure and order that God requires. Make a three-day time log. And on the fourth day, perform an evaluation of time spent. You may be surprised how easily additional responsibilities, personal habits, or performing duties for others who can achieve the task themselves chips away your rest and relaxation time.
Even so, God expects to be first on our daily agenda. In morning worship, we acknowledge the new mercies received of a new day. Praying for God’s will to be done along with protection from spiritual warfare and physical danger demonstrates obedience and dependency on our Heavenly Father. Starting our day with God provides spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength to sustain us for the rigorous opposition that we face.
Evening worship provides communion with God and should be the last activity before sleeping. Taking the time to invite the Holy Spirit into our hearts through prayer produces endurance and perseverance. We develop a spirit of gratitude despite our hardships. Studying and memorizing God’s promises in the Holy Scriptures provides spiritual reinforcement in times of weaknesses and trials.
God is not intrusive. His Divine intervention is available 24/7. Still, He waits for our invitation. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. To be still is not living in a state of doing nothing. It is setting aside time–quantity [without distractions] to establish and maintain a 1:1 relationship with Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Intercessor. Returning the love we receive from God is demonstrated by putting God first! He is the Sustainer of our being.
Develop Strategies for Eliminating the Extras
Learn to decline, “At this time, I am unable to do that or attend, etc.” [a tactful way of saying no]. Turn away from ceaseless activity. Resting from life’s stressors by communing with God imparts spiritual strength. We are energized by the heavenly power that connects humanity with divinity. Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Prayer: God, we ask you to give us the wisdom to identify and eliminate the busyness of our lives that prevents us from spending time with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 