Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Let’s face it, just like any other pastor, I’m a busy person. My day begins early with prayer and exercise (after a pot of coffee) and ends late usually in the den with my laptop as I answer e-mails, work on my Sunday study or write the next day’s devotion. When my calendar and to-do lists fill up it would be easy to become overwhelmed. As I walked yesterday morning seeking a sense of peace I considered the fact that being overwhelmed with all that one has to do is sometimes more a state of mind than anything else. Sometimes when I start feeling that way I do the illogical. I’ll go get my nails done or spend the day in the mountains – doing something totally unproductive. I come home less stressed and get everything done anyway.
I am going to start trying to try to thank God for the many blessings and opportunities that I have in my life instead of complaining about my full schedule. I considered Philippians 4:13 and decided that we can’t take that literally. We do need to set priorities and if we overload ourselves we are going to get tired. Christ will help us with the important things but I don’t think Christ will give us strength to do all the unnecessary activities we try to cram into our lives. I’m getting better at saying no to things I want to do and people ask me to do so that I have more time to do things I need to do. And that includes time for play and exercise. It really is all about the right balance of priorities.
God in Heaven, thank you for the opportunities you place in our lives. Help us to choose our activities wisely and then give us the strength to carry them out. We ask in the name of the One who knew to withdraw for prayer and rest. Amen.
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