When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. (Nehemiah 4:15, ESV)
The plans of their enemies had been frustrated. The people returned to their work. There was much work to be done. They had been delayed, but now they could start to make headway once again. It was time to restart.
I know that when I come back from a break from work that it can be difficult to get back into the routine. Often the most difficult thing is to restart and rebuild the momentum that had been lost.
Maybe it is restarting the work with a new morning. Maybe it is restarting work after a vacation. Maybe you have stumbled in a discipline and now you are attempting to reestablish the routine. You know what you need to do, but you find it difficult to do it.
I have got a word for you. Do the hard thing first! This will go a long way towards our effectiveness and productivity. This will go a long way to overcoming the barriers and obstacles that you face in your life. It will also save us from wasting unnecessary mental energy.
The hard things that need to be done. By putting them off, we are only creating unnecessary anxiety and worry. Waiting is not going to make it any easier. It’s best to put the hard thing behind us sooner rather than later.
But many of us continue to put off the hard thing. We wait. But ask God today for the strength to do the difficult things first.
Reflection
- What is a difficult thing in your life that you are putting off? What task could you accomplish that would go a long way in eliminating anxiety in your life?
- Do you agree with the idea of doing the hardest thing first?
Prayer
Lord, I sometimes find it difficult to restart. I find it difficult to find the motivation and desire to do the things that I need to do. Give me the discipline and the dedication to overcome my procrastination. Make me effective in serving you and others. Amen.
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