Occasionally, my to-do lists backfire.
I tend to crank out to-do lists in the morning when I feel fresh, inspired, and ambitious. They litter my desk. To-Do Today, Mentoring Prep, Writing Projects, Trip Prep, and so on. I thrive on productivity. When I finish something, it feels good to cross it off a list.
But our strengths can also be weaknesses. Because I’m driven to go, do, and accomplish, lists can overwhelm me. I feel pulled in too many directions—my mind scattered like the lists on my desk. It’s difficult to focus. So, I open my Bible and pray, “Calm me, Lord. Quiet my noisy thoughts so I can hear your heart.”
When I read Paul’s words to Timothy, God’s Spirit opened my understanding. I was placing importance on unimportant things. Getting stuff done should take a back seat to a more important work: heart work.
Until our hearts are right, our actions are simply noisy godless chatter. But when we draw near to God’s heart, our hearts transform as we begin thinking His thoughts. Our spirits still in His peace. Priorities change. Everything looks different.
The voice which says Unless you accomplish, you’re worthless is silenced. I feel loved, accepted, and embraced by a God who cares for my heart. I no longer need to conquer a list to feel good about myself. Everything I do—even vacuuming—becomes holy work. Jesus is with me.
This noisy world distracts. Apart from Christ, our days devolve into godless chatter. We drift further from our God.
Paul E. Miller wrote, “If you try to seize the day, the day will eventually break you. Seize the corner of his garment and don't let go until he blesses you. He will reshape the day.”
When you’re pulled in many directions, stretched thin, and overwhelmed, remember heart before action. Draw near to Jesus. Avoid godless chatter. Make it a God-full day.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Peggi Tustan is an ordinary woman living an extraordinary real life in Christ. She blogs at www.peggitustan.com, writes articles, and is finishing two books. She’s a recovering perfectionist who passionately encourages others to embrace grace. Peggi and her husband Terry handfeed wild birds in Northeast Ohio.