TOO MUCH BUSY-- NESS CAN HARM OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

God would have us remain in a tight relationship with Him, not one that meanders back and forth without purpose and discipline. He loves us far more than an earthly father loves his own children. How can we—why do we—resist Him?

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES              by Sally Bair

Busy-ness

I don’t garden anymore except for a couple patio tomato plants. I don’t entertain company as much as I used to either, and I quit watching TV a couple years ago. With less to do, you’d think I led a boring, sedate life, the kind expected from most octogenarians. Not so. I’m busier than ever and seem to live up to the title of my new memoir, “Run Sally Run.”

The trouble is, some days I keep so busy that I seem to hear only the sounds of my frantic activity. Not that there’s anything wrong in working hard and keeping busy. But some days I find myself too busy for God. When I go too long without even thinking about Him, it ends up being a spiritual loss for me. A casual “thank You, Lord,” or a ten-word “arrow prayer” sent to God for a quick blessing or a need fulfilled are not enough to sustain my Christian spirit. I regret my lack of attention to God’s Word and His presence.

From past experience, however, I know that nothing compares with getting to know Christ better and hearing His voice while in a quiet, private place. Christ commands His followers to have an intentional relationship with Him. Sort of like a married couple making time together without distractions so they can share their most intimate thoughts and concerns.

If we were to say to a friend, “Let’s get together sometime,” it wouldn’t happen unless a specific time were set. Psalm 1 speaks about the man who is blessed because “his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” Good, two-way communication includes both prayer and listening. We can thank Him, praise Him, confess our sins and pray for our needs and the needs of others. We can even grouse and complain to God, as David did in the psalms. But we also need to listen—meditate—chew on His Word—hear His still, quiet voice.

The Bible urges us to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16) When we truly desire to hear from God, we will be drawn to his Word and presence every day, no matter how busy we are.

Lord, thank You for promising to never leave us or forsake us. Forgive us the times we let ourselves get too busy for Your Word and presence. Make us so hungry for You that we will be compelled to spend time with You alone each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.