Early this morning I was thinking about ways I can better manage my busy schedule to include more quality time and quiet moments with God. I found myself drawn to 1 Corinthians 7:34, in the Amplified version. I was reminded of the need to be concerned and anxious about the matters of the Lord…wholly separated and set apart in body and spirit. Then I read Matthew 6:34 AMPC: "So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." I later read Philippians 4:6, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." I shared those verses because the Bible is so clear, we’re not supposed to be (nor do we have to be) worried or anxious about tomorrow. We’re not supposed to be (nor do we have to be) fretful or have anxiety about anything. Each of us are urged to follow I Peter 5:7 which tells us: "Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. Now that did it for me! What are you concerned, anxious or worried about right now? What’s on your mind the most? Are these your thoughts? “I wonder what I will get ____ for Christmas? I wonder what ____will give me? What will I buy for myself this year? I can’t afford to get anything for anyone!” Let me help you. The most important “gift” right now, this season and every season, is Jesus. Whatever we’re anxious about should be laid before Him and left with Him. Yes, there is always things to do, places to go, business to take care of, chores to do, and things to prepare for, but won't there always be? In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus was a guest in the home of His friends. Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and then stepped away to continue making preparations for their gathering. It was a special time with special people, and of course Jesus was there! Her sister, Mary, greeted Jesus and decided to follow him, sit at the Lord’s feet, and listen to everything He had to say. Martha, on the other hand was overly occupied, feeling the pressure, and too busy with everything that had to do with hosting and serving; she really wasn't in tune with what Jesus was talking about. Martha did, however, start feeling some type of way and then asked Jesus to make Mary come and help her so she wouldn’t be working alone. But the Lord replied to her, "Martha. Martha. (Now he's said her name twice). You are anxious and troubled about many things. There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the best way to use her time, and it is time well-spent." So you see, there are always competing things for your time, but one is most advantageous and on the top of your priority list. Are you more like Martha or more like Mary right now? Are you too overly occupied and too busy? Are you anxious and troubled about many things? You don’t have to be. I’m sure that when you make time for Jesus, you can see things from His perspective. He will show you just what you need to do, and what you don't need to be overly anxious about. Take time for Jesus. Take time for yourself. Take time for your family and friends. I’m praying for you.
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