I must say, I am a slacker. I do not put as much time and effort into this blog now that time is hectic and days are busier. In fact, I haven't given the blog a second thought... until today.
Bill Hybels once said, "I am too busy not to pray." Or, in the words of Martin Luther, "tomorrow I plan to work, work, from early until late. In fact I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."
How often do we miss this? How often do we skew our words and our priorities to say, "I am too busy to pray. I am too busy to have Bible study. Or, in my case, I am too busy to share my convictions on a blog." Too busy... what does that mean? Yes, we know the feeling. Life is hectic. Things are planned. And, well, I am tired... I don't really want to get up thirty minutes early and God wants me to sleep - right? Or, I had a rough day - I need some me time - God wants me to have me time - does that count as a devotional?
During times like these... when we are too busy to eat, much less think - I cannot help but ponder the following verses.
Romans 12:2 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Do not be conformed - do not let the earthly stress, the earthly events, the daily grind keep you from God. Do not let earthly things provide you an excuse. Do not conform. Do not give in. Stand strong. But be transformed - allow God the time to take over. Allow God the opportunity to share with you and... by the renewal of your mind - God reveals to us. That by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect - Without spending time with God - we have no idea what he wants. But, in spending time with God - He reveals His plan to us.
When we finally take the time to spend with God - our day is smoother. Our life has purpose. We need to give God control - not the world.
Then, there is the story of Mary and Martha. Martha spent all her time doing and no time with Jesus. She was so busy - she almost missed the important part of life -
In Luke 10:38-42 we read, "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
To me, this verse says - "Dana, really? Why are you so stressed. Its okay if the house is a little messy or the food takes a little longer. What matters is how you spend your time with me. Its okay if things don't go according to plan. You need some God time. When you don't have God time - you are anxious and troubled. But, when you allow me the time to renew your spirit, everything else goes so much smoother."
So, tomorrow - when I feel like sleeping in - I hope the Mary in me wakes up longing for time with Jesus. Its time for me to say no to the world and yes to Jesus - after all, I am too busy not to spend time with Him.
"Come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters..." Isaiah 55:1
