I wonder if you have a lot to do today? Who doesn’t, right?

Confession. I messed up BIG yesterday. It all started when I found myself staring almost breathless at an overloaded plate of plans. You know this feeling. We’ve all been there.

Faced with a crossroad of choices, I had two options. To start chomping away at the variety of giant hard to chew pieces, OR, start with the easy to swallow, peace infusing, smooth sweetness of the Bible study I knew would open and cleanse my palate, setting me up for greater success to plow through the remaining massive pile before me.

But… nope. I dove right into the thick grisly who-knows-how-long-it’ll-take-me-to-chew-this-bite-of-meat of my “to do‘s” instead. I thought, ”If I can just check off this list, that chore, and all the hefty action items… Then, my plate will have enough space for peace. Then, I can sit with the Lord and enjoy the dessert and refreshment of his sweet presence.”

But, that’s not at all what happened.

I totally disregarded the sweet aroma of true peace, and next thing I knew, my day had spun out of control, nothing went as planned, everything took longer than I thought, and when I finally exhaled out a deep breath of regret as my last fume of energy disappeared with the sunshine, it was 10:30 PM. And instead of soaking in the peace I was running after, I was riddled with self disappointment and defeat. Topped with a drizzle of quilt for being “MIA Mom” and failing my people too. 

No fun!

But, here’s the good news. God is so full of grace and the Holy Spirit kept nudging my heart towards Jesus, the rescuer of our souls…

Before my head fell hard on my pillow, I was convicted and reminded that peace isn’t a result of having all my to do‘s done, having more money, or whatever you or I might be relentlessly chasing. Peace is a result of having more, Jesus. Period.

So, I made the better choice today… to wake up and start my day with HIM. Not only that, I asked him to order my plans, to make him number one, and to not let me forget him.

Maybe you need to stop what you’re doing, put aside your lists and crowded agendas, and sit quietly in stillness before the Lord too. Let him fill your heart, calm your soul, and walk with you a little closer. One step at time he will lead you along a path illuminated with peace… all throughout your day.

Reflect:

Did you choose your tasks and to dos before your time with Jesus his morning? Could you benefit from spending time with the only one who can give you true peace?

Pray:

Dear Lord, There is always so much ahead of me, and sometimes I make the choice to steamroll into my day before spending time with you. I know I can do nothing apart from you, and that the peace I crave is found only in you. Help me to seek you first. Thank you for your grace and your ever present peace. In your loving name, Amen.

Seek the Word:

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” ”Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Have a blessed week!

Your friend, Keri Ann

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