One night before I went to bed I made a list of things that I needed to do the next day. I knew it would be a busy week because I was going to a conference in Greensboro. I had a day to get all the things done that couldn’t wait.
Buried halfway down the list was “write your column.” I knew as I sat quietly praying about my day that I had to move that to the top of my list because if I didn’t it wouldn’t get the attention it deserves.
After a peaceful prayer time, I went to the computer and sat and stared at a blank screen. There was nothing. I checked my e-mail and looked at the weather then returned to the blank page. I looked at some other columns, hoping to be inspired. My only thought was that I already knew what I was supposed to write about. I thanked the Lord and asked him to help me get the idea rolling. Still nothing. Time was slipping away.
I continued to wait quietly. That’s when it dawned on me; I wasn’t anxious or worried about my column. That’s big for me, because I tend to worry about the content of my column. I knew my thoughts and my to-do list were in the right priority. I knew that even though I wasn’t feeling inspired, God was in control. I was trusting him to lead me instead of running out in front of him. I was actually waiting on God.
God wasn’t anxious about my column, he was enjoying that I was spending time in his presence. Truthfully, that is what I was doing. I wasn’t just asking him about my column, I was also talking to him about other things. I believe he was enjoying that time and he didn’t want it to end. Imagine that, God wanted to spend time with me and I almost missed it because I was focusing on what I might be able to do for him.
Do you want to know what God wants us to do the most? It’s not some ministry or outreach (don’t misunderstand me, those are important). What God wants the most is to spend time with us. We all lead very demanding lives trying to meet the needs of our employers, families and friends, not to mention all the routine things that need to be done around our homes. It’s honestly hard to fit in time with God in our busy lives.That is the problem in one sentence. We are trying to “fit God” into our lives. We need to learn to put God first and then try to fit in all the “other stuff.” Truthfully, God doesn’t want to be relegated to one small portion of our day anyway. He wants to participate in every aspect of our lives. We can talk with God all day. While we are waiting on our children to complete their practices, we can visit with God. Instead of cursing the traffic light, spend time with God while you wait. Instead of losing your temper waiting for the slow cashier, take a moment to speak to your Father. God is closer than our breath and he is capable of speaking to us in spite of the noise if we are willing to be still and listen for his voice.
God wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives; all we have to do is let him. I realize that isn’t easy because allowing God to be that close means we will be changed. We’ll stop being anxious and worrying because we will be walking in God’s peace, which transcends all understanding. We’ll know we are fulfilling God’s purposes because he is with us. We’ll understand his ways more because he will be showing them to us. We’ll experience greater victory in our lives because we are with the victor. Sin will lose its luster and hold on us because we will be with the sinless one.
I want to encourage you to set the priority of having some quiet time with God every day and then walk with God throughout your day. It will change your life … for the better. You’ll begin to know the creator who created you and knows you and knows what is best for you. You may not understand everything, but you will be in a better place to trust him. What will it cost you to invite God into every aspect of your life? A daily commitment. What is the reward? A genuinely changed and more fulfilled life.
Doug Creamer teaches marketing at East Davidson High School. He writes a weekly column. His Web site is www.dougcreamer.com.