“Saltwater Sweetness” in acrylic by Myra Alibrando
Am I on the Right Track?
Almost every day, my waking thoughts are related to my purpose for living, the quality of my life, and recalculating the direction of my life based on choices.
Too often, I have skipped prayer and/or Bible reading.
I have never regretted taking a good, cleansing shower, but have regretted not taking one sooner. The same for Bible reading and prayer, I have never regretted the time invested but have regretted missing some of those.
Convincing Misdirection
The thinking is seductively misguided, represented by words like: "I don't have time today" or "I'm already behind" or "I have promises to keep". These and more are always suggesting I will accomplish more by skipping my time with God.
I Really Have So Much to Do
Didn't God promise to guide us, teach us, lead us? It isn't that we think we are smarter than God, it is simply we assume a lack of time to accomplish what we have decided needs to be done.
However, it is like assuming I don't have time to look at my compass before I start walking though the wilderness on a cloudy day because I want to get moving as soon as possible.
I have never regretted "interrupting" my precious time for God because it is always a reset of values and a reminder of assurance. It calms me. It takes me out of the victim sense of "I have no choice" and puts me into this attitude of "My best will yield good fruit" and "God's favor is always better than God's wrath.
For your benefit, I will share what I listed for myself that day.
11 Reasons for Me to Pray
Time is not my enemy if God is my friend
Recalibrate true priorities
Reawaken the reality of God watching me, helping me, guiding me, and my life as a gift on loan
To enjoy the influx of wisdom from outside myself as I listen & read
To be open to rebuke or correction, saving time and consequences
To acknowledge, from my core, that everything begins and operates from my heart attitude
Unexpected, uncontrollable inspiration may occur in the presence of my heavenly Father
When overwhelmed, reminder "If God is pleased with me, it is enough to be a great day."
To fill up with gratitude knowing I am loved from heaven and on earth
To remember God's will fulfilled instead of my will is not cause for depression but joyful celebration
God can choose to do more in one miraculous minute than I can accomplish in 20 years of focused work.
Not Enough Time Be Wise?
Sometimes, because of the time zones, I have to make phone calls to U.S. at my 5 or 6am, and I will do that. Once I get started I don't want to lose my momentum. But I am glad to report, I do stop and I do calm down knowing I am about to indulge in what I anticipate as . . . well, a special flavor of life with me on the receiving end.
Have you had problems with your computer and tried all kinds of things to fix it and can't and suddenly you realize you should try to reboot your computer and magically, the problem is gone? Sometimes that is how it feels when I reset with God, listening and believing.
Confirming Scriptures
Here are a few scriptures to encourage you that God also thinks this is a good idea:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Hi Sam,
I completely agree with what you are saying. Taking the time to pray and read the Bible is essential for recalibrating our priorities and finding peace in the chaos of life. Your list of reasons for prayer is truly inspiring and serves as a great reminder of the power of spending time with God.
As a Research Scientist, I often find myself caught up in the fast-paced world of data analysis and hypothesis testing. However, I realize that taking a moment to reset and seek guidance from God can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and inspiration in my work. Just as you mentioned, God can do more in a miraculous minute than I can in years of focused work.
Thank you for sharing your insights and reminding me of the importance of staying connected to our heavenly Father. 🙏🏼✨