So Little Time, So Much To Do: Learn to Linger

So Little Time, So Much To Do: Learn to Linger
July 28, 2012 Lighthouse Network

July 28-29, 2012

Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed Hurry Sickness. When we fail to linger with God, we are definitely too busy. The times when we are overly busy usually occur when our responsibilities are the heaviest, so that’s when we actually need God the most. Obviously, something needs to change, but where do we begin?

A great place to start is to learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could even start to imagine. Compound this responsibility with His knowledge that His time here was extremely limited. Like Willy Wonka said, “So little time, so much to do.” Jesus had the world to save, but He never let all the “doing” on His plate interfere with connecting to His Father. As we can see in today’s scripture, He left the crowds … and even the disciples … to spend time alone with His Father, our Father. He lingered in prayer.

We are really fooling ourselves when we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God … praying and meditating on His Word. The amazing paradox is that only when we linger with the Father will everything else in our life actually fall into place. Only when we spend time with Him can we overcome the “hurry sickness” of life.

How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely keep your head above water? Has busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner … an afterthought to take care of when you get a chance? Or worse yet, are you neglecting quiet time with God altogether?

During one of Jesus’ visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn’t helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. But Jesus responded to her saying, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42. Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.

Today, learn just to be with God! Linger with Him, even though you might think you need to move on to the next activity of life. Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What could your response be to His love and the sacrifice He made for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time getting to know who He is and why He died for you. Then listen to Him. WITHIN REACH helps you linger with God and achieve immediate benefits when you do. Where you linger is your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Father, I know I’ve been neglecting my quiet time with You. I realize now that the more I neglect You, the more I let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger in Your presence. Give me clearer lenses to view how great You are and how unimportant everything else in this world is. When situations distract me from you, remind me that I need to take them to you for answers, resolution, and peace. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who had the most stressful situations but always lingered with You, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.  Matthew 14:23

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