Take a Step Back and Breathe in the Holy Spirit

This last month of my life has been like a whirlwind. I have had major changes come into my life–good changes but they have disrupted my normal routine. I have tried so desperately to connect to God this month, but I have been consumed with the cares of this life. I do not know if anyone can relate to what I am saying but I allowed the busyness of life keep me from connecting to the Lord. I had great intentions first thing in the morning to get alone with God, but my mind would race and make mental notes of what I had to do that day while I was trying to hear God. By the end of the day, I was so exhausted that I would just flop into bed.

Have you ever had one of those days or months where you were so busy with life that it kept you from seeking God?

I realized something this morning: I cannot function properly without putting Christ first in my life. I also realized something else today: I was making my own plans and figuring out how to make them happen. I know I am always in trouble when I go my own way and hope Jesus blesses and supports my plans. I confess, that I had begun to solve my own problems these last several weeks and that had been a result of not taking the time to be still before the Lord to hear what He might have to say about all my wonderful ideas! Sure, there were times that I quickly said a prayer, but I did not quiet my spirit to hear God’s voice. I read the Bible a few times this last month, but I did not take the time to ask the Lord what He wanted me to grasp from my time of reading. I hurriedly read a verse or two and then ran off into my day like some kind of marathon runner.

I began to notice the more I kept doing things my way, the less peace I had. I felt rushed, hurried, and not at rest. I believed that I just did not have the time to spend with God that I used to have. I had an increase in my daily load, and I needed to get to it! My daily time with God became less and less as I was making other things a priority, but the things I needed to get done in a day seemed so important. Anyhow, my thought was, “If I do not get these things done, who’s going to do it?” Some days I would think there just are not enough hours in the day to get all accomplished what I need to, so something had to be sacrificed. The MOST important thing I sacrificed? My daily time with the Lord.

I made a decision today: even though I feel like there are a million things to do, I am putting God first in my life.

First, before taking care of the needs of others, before checking my emails, before work, and before all the other stuff that competed for my attention first thing in the morning. I am choosing to step back today from my large to-do list and breathe in the Holy Spirit. I am going to slow down and listen for God, and let God direct my path. I have made a decision today that I will put Christ first in my life above all else and above everybody else.

When you become a caretaker or provider for another person as I have recently, it can take your focus away from spending time with God. I will work around my tight schedule and get up earlier before the caretaking begins and I will ask the Lord to increase my daily time so that I can accomplish what I need to get done that day. I will sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him to order my schedule and take away anything that I am not supposed to be doing.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5, NIV

Breathe in the Holy Spirit today and let the Holy Spirit bring peace, rest from weariness, and direction for your life. Breathe deeply and relax. Be still to hear God’s voice. Quiet your soul.

Do you find it difficult to find the time to spend with the Lord, if so, how do you effectively manage your time so that you can connect with God?