Two Little Letters - Friday August 15, 2014
Pay attention to how you walk, making the most of your time. Ephesians 5:15
There is a song by Alabama, the band that "changed the face of country music," that states: "I'm in a hurry to get things done; I rush and rush until life's no fun." Can you relate to that? Whether you are a student, a mom of young children, or working hard at your job, chances are that you feel like there are never enough hours in a day. I heard an author describe it like an all-you-can-eat buffet. We pile on more and more because it all looks so good, but soon we discover our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Similarly, in our daily lives we can discover that our ambitions were bigger than our time and we have too much on our plate. The result is hurry, stress, and irritability.
One thing that has helped me in this is that two-letter word: "No." Learn to consider carefully before saying "Yes." Even a small commitment can be a source of emotional strain if it is too much. I tend to say yes to whatever people ask me to do, often because of pride or because it feels good to be needed. I am trying to learn to slow down and ask God first before committing. James 4:15 wisely says, "Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'" And in the inevitable busy times that come with the responsibilities of things to which we are called to say "yes," God will give us the strength to accomplish our work. Just ask Him for the grace to face one task at a time with a calm heart and an awareness of His presence. Claim this comforting promise: "Lord, You will establish peace for us, since You have also performed for us all our works" (Isaiah 26:12).
Submitted by:
Kelly Lewis
Grace Point Community Church
Lewis Center, Ohio
One-Year Reading Plan:
Nehemiah 9:22-10:39
1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13
Psalms 34:1-10
Proverbs 21:13
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