Stay Close
The past few weeks have been quite busy for me to say the least. Between work and other endeavors, I have found myself working countless hours in order to meet deadlines and complete tasks. Although I accomplished a lot over the past few weeks, it came at a tremendous cost. It seemed the more time I spent on work and other things, the less time I had to devote to God.
I didn’t realize how busy I had become until I went to have quiet time on Saturday, April 18th. Upon opening my journal that morning, I found out that an entire week had passed since last having quiet time. After being faced with that hard reality, I prayed to God for forgiveness for neglecting to spend time with Him and have since gotten back in my regular flow of spending time with Him.
This past week at work, I was asked to take on a new role. Although it is a great opportunity, it is one that will require more of me and consequently more of my time. After accepting the new position, I returned to my desk where I heard a still small voice say to me, “Stay close.” At first, I didn’t understand. However, after hearing it a few more times, I realized that God was reminding me to stay close to Him, especially during this busy season. God was also reminding me that my busyness should not come at the expense of my relationship with Him.
Some of you reading this may have mastered the art of “work-spiritual balance.” However, I realize that there are those like me who in the pursuit of success (i.e. starting a business, applying and interviewing for jobs, completing a semester in school or graduating, advancing your career, or studying for exams) may have unintentionally drifted away from God. If the latter applies to you, simply repent as I did and become intentional about spending time with God.
Aside from deepening your relationship, it is especially beneficial to spend time with God and stay close to Him in these particular seasons of your life, because it is from Him that you will draw the strength you need to endure these busy seasons of life; it is because of Him that you will have peace of mind in the midst of the chaos; and it is from Him that you will receive the direction you need regarding which path or opportunity to take or to avoid.
Realize that God doesn’t mind us working diligently so long as we are diligently pursuing the things that He has called us to and not neglecting the most important things in life such as our families and our relationship with Him.
Be encouraged and remember to stay close!
Blessings,
Imanne
Meditation Scriptures:
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 12:28
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:16
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9