Focusing on God When Life Gets Crazy

Did you miss me? I’m sorry not to have kept up with In the Way, but life got hectic, and so, I thought I’d make my return with some thoughts about things I’ve learned during these past few weeks. 

Does your life get crazy sometimes? Do you often feel like you’re running to keep up with yourself? Do you work full-time, have small children, or did your schedule—like ours—suddenly go into turbo gear?

You’re not alone.

Hebrews 12:1-2, Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The question is how? How can we focus on Jesus as we run this rat race? How can we concentrate on the Lord in our heart when life goes into overdrive?

Here are a few ideas I’ve needed over these past few weeks. Maybe they’ll help you:

• Use the time you have, even if it’s just a few minutes. For example, you can review Scripture in your mind as you drive, stand in line, cook supper, or clean up the kitchen. Use time when you are doing something else with your hands to think about the Lord. Use that time to pray. Go down your mental prayer list. Praise the Lord. Be thankful.
• Listen to good Christian music. I always love the old hymns. They are doctrinally sound and full of praise. Holy, Holy, Holy; Blessed Assurance; Amazing Grace; Crown Him With Many Crowns; Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus, How Great Thou Art, and others will warm your heart and encourage your soul. Listen while you’re driving or cleaning house.
• Mini-devotions. Read the Bible as you munch your lunch. Take time to think about what you’re reading. Don’t rush it. It’s okay if it’s only a few verses instead of chapters. Read and heed. Then, put into practice what you learned.
• When life gets hectic, limit your online time, especially on social media. Nothing is more important than your relationship with God. Reserve your scarce time for communicating with your Lord and for being with your family. There is no way you can be scrolling through social media and meditating on God’s Word. There’s no way you’re strengthening your relationship with your spouse or children if you’re online. Use discretion, and discipline yourself, especially when your schedule is packed.
• Forget extra reading. I am an avid reader, so this one’s especially for me. When you’re pressed for time, do the needful things.* Listen at Jesus’ feet first and foremost. Take time for family, and forget your new novel, how-to, or whatever kind of reading tempts you. Use the scant time you have wisely. You can always read the book later, when life calms down.
• Remember biblical priorities: 1. your relationship with God, 2. your relationship with your husband (if you’re married), 3. your children, and 4. ministry, work, and others. If you have a doubt about which things are most important, review your priorities in your mind before committing to anything new.

Learning to take your mini-moments and use them to enrich your soul’s relationship with the Lord will help you get through those crazy weeks.

May God bless you!

_____________

*Allusion to Luke 10:42, when Jesus said, one thing is needful, referring to Mary of Bethany, who sat at His feet and listened to His Words.

  

My Favorite Bible Verse

Faithful is he that calleth you, 

who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

I chose this verse as my “life verse” back in high school, probably because it reminded me of what I needed most at the time. And ever since, it’s been the verse that encourages me and gives me strength.

I love that the whole emphasis is on God doing it. He’s the One with the power. He’s the Doer. He’s faithful. I’m sure you’re familiar with the old hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” It’s based on the truth found in Lamentations 3:22-23, It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

God’s calling. At the time I chose 1 Thessalonians 5:24, my calling was to be the best daughter and student I could be. A few short years later, when I was seventeen, I gave my life to the Lord completely. I surrendered my will and my plans to the amazing God of the universe. And, I asked God to send me.

He did. He sent me to Spain, where our family has served for over 31 years. But my calling was more than a missionary calling. It was a calling to do God’s will, to learn about Him, to walk with Him, to love Him. It has been amazing!

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it means that whatever God sets before me, He is able to do for me. It has been so true. I remember times when I needed to teach or speak, and I was very sick that day. Sometimes, I didn’t even have a voice. I would pray to the Lord, “You know I can’t do this, so if you want anything done, please do it.” I can’t describe how wonderful it is to begin to speak and watch God do something “impossible” using you. When the task was totally beyond me, He did it. When I was asked to do hard things, God enabled me to do them. He is faithful. He gets the glory. Afterwards, I worshipped and praised Him in awe.

Has God called you? If you know Him, He has.

Has God shown you His strength in your weakness? The Apostle Paul said, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

What’s your favorite Bible verse? How has it encouraged you? Please share!

Faithful is he that calleth you, 

who also will do it.

(1 Thessalonians 5:24)