Busyness. It impacts us all, no matter what stage of life we are in. Sometimes it feels that everything around us is moving so fast that we will never be able to keep up with it all. It can be very easy to get swept up in a multitude of duties, jobs, responsibilities, and events. In such times, it is important to remember a fundamental Biblical truth.
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God…” We may have a fully loaded calendar, but our spiritual survival on this earth depends on being still. It is very easy to become spiritually exhausted when we keep pushing ourselves to our limits. We need to take the time to be still with God, because although we have limits, with God, nothing is impossible.
Regardless of what you do all day, one thing everyone has in common is sleep. We all need sleep in order to function properly, and no amount of caffeine can be substituted for a good night’s sleep. There are two parts of sleep that we control for the most part: falling asleep and waking up. Often it can be difficult after a busy day to focus on anything. You might fall asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Waking up is a different matter.
When you wake up in the morning, you have not yet begun your day. Your day begins when your feet hit the floor. After you have turned your alarm clock off, I suggest you lie in bed for as long as you can afford, taking that time to be still. Now, you may have to battle the temptation to fall back asleep, but meditating on God first thing in the morning is truly a blessed experience.
Adding this small adjustment to your day will make a difference. Before you check your schedule or think about the day ahead of you, take a deep breath and be still. Begin your waking hours by tuning your heart to sing God’s praises. Perhaps you might think of the children’s song “This is the Day That the Lord Has Made.” Remember how He has taken care of you in the past and His promises to work everything for your good. As you stare at the ceiling, recall Who it was Who provided you with shelter, food, and many other things. Instead of complaining internally about your aching back or neck due to your work, know that God formed you fearfully and wonderfully in your mother’s womb.
This spiritual exercise is not a substitute for daily devotions and time spent in God’s Word. It is merely a very peaceful way for the child of God to start their day. So don’t wake up and immediately check your phone for messages or mindlessly begin the process of getting coffee. Wake up with the Lord and keep Him close the whole day long.
By Max Holstege
Young Calvinists 