So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
This is the first week of the New Year. It is a time of the year when we think about resolutions. I have four resolutions this year. They are not your typical resolutions. Each resolution is to be more present.
The first one is to be present in the moment. Each moment is unique. The clock keeps ticking. You will never get back the last moment you lived. So my resolution is to live each moment as fully as God intends.
The idea is to live with no regrets. It is to live for God’s pleasure first. But it is easy to get distracted from keeping the most important things a priority.
We often feel pressure from other people to live up to their expectations. This means we might say “yes” when we want to say “no.” If you don’t determine what is most important, then other people will choose for you. Too many people spend their lives trying to please people they will never fully please.
Another way we stray from being more present in the moment is that we allow ourselves to be distracted by mindless activity. To give you an example, think about professional sports. Think about all that could be accomplished if many of us put as much effort into God’s mission as much as we put into following our favorite team. Think about the hours spent watching the games. Think about the amount of money on tickets, jerseys, and other memorabilia. And what is is all accomplish by these pursuits?
I am not saying to never watch a game. But I know I am convicted to be more mindful of how much I invest in these lesser pursuits. It is distinguishing what is lesser and what is greater. Distinguishing what is most important allows me to invest more in the greater pursuits of life.
One of the ways in which I work to keep myself focused on keeping the first things first is through my morning devotions. This is time I spend with God and allow him to speak to me through his Word. Last week, I shared with you my Daily Bible Reading Plan.
I also use this time to journal. I reflect upon the activities of the previous day. I consider what lessons I’ve learned. I also use my journal to prioritize my day. I make a list of things that I need to do. I then consider the things I must do. And finally, I consider the one thing I would do if I did nothing else.
When I get busy, I am tempted to skip this planning and prayer time. But what I discover is that I am incredibly more effective on days that have been prioritized over days that are not.
Reflection
- How do you stay present in a moment?
- How does your devotion time make you more effective as a follower of Jesus?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord for the time you have given me. Grant me wisdom to order my days according to your priorities. Help me to live each moment inside your will. I desire to live for your glory by make the most of the time you have given me. Amen.
Next: Present with Yourself
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