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Making Time for What’s Important

Devotion

How many times have you said this: "There's just not enough time in the day; I don't have time; I'm too busy"? It's this feeling of being too busy that keeps us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Here's the sobering truth—the time is not the issue—it's you! You created your busy schedule, so only you can change it. Every task, chore, project, deadline, and plan are a result of what you allowed. Or, in some cases, did not approve. So how do you get off this hamster wheel?

Start by learning to focus on what's essential and practice letting go of the rest. Because if time is your biggest enemy, you don't have a time problem; you have a priority problem. People struggle with time not because there's not enough of it but because their priorities are either out of order or competing with each other. We manage our time based on what we think we should be doing or what 'feels' urgent instead of seeking God to help us establish our priorities. When we ask God to help us, that's how we find rest in Him.

Once you get a real revelation of your priorities—what you were put on this earth to do and who you are here to serve, then you will learn to relax and make the most of your time. You will learn to work your priorities, let go of the rest, and find rest in the Lord. Lack of time becomes an issue only when you're living outside of your purpose.

God has given us just enough time to do what he's called us to. To live out our assignment, that's our priority. We waste time because we veer off in other directions. We give in to peer pressure; we want to please others; we want to satisfy our flesh, or we listen to the lies of the enemy telling us to focus on something other than what God has called us to. It's all so exhausting!!!

It's in spending time with God that we learn how to focus on our priorities. We find our purpose and our priorities in Him. When you make time for God, you will have the time to do what He has called you to do. And you will find contentment in knowing that what you accomplished was enough. You'll finally accept that you are enough in Christ.

As you seek first the Kingdom of God and all its righteousness, you will have the time to do all that's truly important.

Now take a deep breath and let God's truth that you are more than enough in the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:9) fill every cell of your body. Let it sink in.

Reflect

1. Reflect on what's most important in your life. Is it reflected in your daily life?

2. If not, pray for the wisdom to eliminate what's unimportant so you can focus on God's best for you.

Relaxation Exercise

Make time for a walk today with an emphasis on giving God thanks and praise. Pray for people as you walk by them. Pray for loved ones, for your country, and pray for yourself.

Worship and Prayer

"Dear Lord God, I'm thankful for this time with you right now! This lesson is hard to hear, Father, and I'm grateful for the conviction I feel. I confess and repent of trying to be the general manager of the time you've given me, and today I surrender my list to you! Managing my time is an inside-out job that I need you in charge of, Lord. I'm asking your Holy Spirit to reorganize my mind and re-center my heart on you. Search me and show me the ways that my priorities are mixed up. Clarify for me whatever should have first place in my heart. Convict me to surrender that which doesn't belong in that precious spot. Today, please give me a special revelation of my purpose so that while I'm here, my focus will be on that. I want to thank you, Father, for the blessing of the wonderful time I get to spend here on earth with the people that I love and in communion with you. I will naturally make time for whatever I truly desire, so please, let my deepest and truest desire be for you, Lord! I intend to use each moment of the time given to me for your glory! Amen."