Have you ever looked at your life and realized there’s no space for the things that actually matter most? Our schedules can so easily be filled with obligations that require our time and attention that busyness becomes the norm. I’ve been there, and after living a much slower lifestyle in Europe I made a vow that it would never be my life again.
During our time in Prague, we got to experience what life outside the rat race felt like. There was far less time spent running between activities and far more time spent with family. Less time was spent thinking about all the things going on around us, and more time was spent meditating on God’s word and His plan for our lives. We made a vow then that this is what we wanted our life to be like. Less stuff and more substance.
After all, how can we make room for the plans God has for us when our schedules are filled from top to bottom with things that won’t matter a few years from now? Choosing this lifestyle isn’t the easiest thing because it requires some hard no’s and discipline to maintain. Applying these 3 concepts have helped me align my life with God’s will and overcome busyness…
Commit to being still
The bible tells us in Psalm 46:10 to “Be still and know that I am God”. How can we remember who God is to us when our lives are filled with things that crowd Him out? Even too much of a good thing can be detrimental.
When I started carving out time in the mornings to spend time in prayer and meditation on God’s word, my days were filled with more clarity and peace. The command to be still and know doesn’t just apply to us when things aren’t going well, or when we’re faced with difficult decisions. It’s a way of life that ushers us into the will of God daily.
This is how we choose the right things to add to our schedules. This is where we’re able to glorify God with our lives.
During my morning devotions I felt like He was preparing me for something, I just didn’t know what. There were times I didn’t feel like it, but I’d prayed to go deeper so I knew I had to do my part. A few months after sticking to this routine, my pastor asked me about preparing a sermon to share on a Sunday morning. This came as a surprise to me, but it wasn’t a surprise to God. I don’t think I would’ve ever made it to this appointed time if I hadn’t taken the time to just be still.
Choose God things over good things
The hardest misconception for me to overcome was the nature of the things on my plate being okay because they were good. Sis, it doesn’t matter if your commitments are at church, with friends, or even for your kids. If you haven’t sought God’s guidance for what you’re committing your time to, chances are they could be the wrong things or simply the wrong timing.
As a family we’ve decided to adjust our activities and obligations to fit the lifestyle we’ve chosen. For us, that looks like allowing the girls to choose one activity at a time. Participating in 2-3 things at once would require us to be tied up more nights and weekends than we prefer. The same goes for our outside obligations. We carefully consider our time commitments to volunteer roles, events on our social calendars, etc. It’s important to discuss and prayerfully approach what you should make room for, and then plan accordingly.
“ Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3: 2-3
When we were planning our move back to the states I had made up my mind to start working on my real estate license because it’s always something I’ve wanted to do. The funny thing is I didn’t pray about the timing, I just purchased a training course with the intention of getting started and being prepared to take my exam as soon as possible. That same night during my prayer time, the Lord revealed that he had another plan for me. Something I never considered, but I knew if He was leading me to do it I needed to be obedient.
This is how we determine a God thing over a good thing. It wasn’t that real estate wasn’t for me, it just wasn’t the timing that aligned with God’s plan for my life. These decisions require saying no to the seemingly good things so you can say yes to the purposeful God things. The Father is always speaking if we would just take the time to be still and hear what He has to say.
Stewart your home well
I think we’ve all spent more time at home due to the pandemic we’re living through. Some have come to the realization that it’s not so bad, others have grown to love it and some are ready to catch the next flight out! I’m not sure where you stand, but I have to admit…I’m part of the “grown to love it” crowd. I still enjoy getting out and socializing responsibly, but home has become such a refuge for me thanks to the outside world being closed for a year or more during our time in Prague.
During the time we were “stuck” inside, I decided to find ways to make home life more enjoyable and harmonious. I cooked three meals a day, tried lots of new recipes, taught my kiddos, tried to keep things clean, and learned to give myself grace when it all became too much. Honestly, I think the most important thing I did was pray over our home and family more than ever before. This is what shifted my perspective from all the things I had to do, to the things I get to do for my family.
In order to reduce busyness & seek God’s plan for us, it helps to create an environment that invites the Holy Spirit to dwell with us. Now that doesn’t mean He only wants to hang out if you’re making a home cooked meal. But consistent prayer and worship definitely help set the atmosphere.
The word steward is derived from a Greek word that translates to “manager of the household”. We should consider ourselves stewards of our home, finances, children, marriage and anything else God has entrusted to us. Why? Because it ALL belongs to Him. We’re simply taking the best care possible of what we’ve been blessed with.
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
If you follow me on Instagram, maybe you’ve noticed I started sharing more on homemaking. (Shout out to “Homemaking Tuesdays”!) The Lord put it on my heart to share how I ‘ve grown to love taking care of my home both physically and spiritually. I truly believe that the shift in my perspective has allowed the Holy Spirit to create an atmosphere of peace and transformation. When we take care of home, it makes resting in the Lord’s presence and choosing God things over good things more attainable.
Sister, are you ready to surrender your timelines to the one who created you for His glory? He has good plans for you if you’re willing put your hand in His and run the race marked out for you!
One I’m definitely learning to be still. It doesn’t come natural to me. My mind is constantly going.
I completely understand that! It really does take intention and discipline to slow down and be still, but I’m sure you’ll know when that time comes.