Let’s talk about how there is always something that needs our attention or energy.
There are a limitless number of things competing for our limited time and energy. Task lists, unfinished projects, worries about the future, big dreams we want to pursue, spiritual growth opportunities, entertainment, social media, friends, and family all want our attention.
We can’t simplify our lives overnight, but we can take daily steps to focus more on what matters most and gradually become more closely centered around those that do matter most.
Colossians 3:1-2: Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
When we set our sight on Christ then all the things we need to do can seem less. When we take the time to sit with God every day and think about all that He has given us then we are focusing on things above and then with that we are able to simplify and see more clearly what matters most in the scheme of all that is going on around us.
We can really get caught up in a project, a tv show, or a multitude of things. Our undivided attention can go to distractions that really shouldn’t be in our routine, but they are. So let us look to the heavens and ask God what we need to turn our attention to.
So, how do we decide how we’ll invest our time and energy?
We want to be healthy, rested, productive, and focused on the right things, but daily demands and distractions get in the way. So, we settle for safe routines and constant busyness, hoping we’ll have more time in the future to pursue our dreams and spend time with the people we care about most.
Well, today is the day we can stop just hoping—and start taking steps to slow down and simplify our lives, so we can focus on what matters most.
Some big items on that list of what matters most is, our relationship with God. Our relationships with others. Our relationship with ourselves.
As you prioritize what matters most, consider how you might reduce the time you spend doing things that don’t really matter in the long term, or are they opposite of what you really want. Maybe you feel tired all the time because you don’t prioritize sleep over entertainment.
Sounds simple I’m sure, but it takes discipline to get to where no matter what is happening that our thoughts automatically tune to God and what we need to be focusing on…. God, others, and self.
Deuteronomy 5:12-14: “Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work.
Life has a way of keeping our minds constantly busy. Planning for the future, thinking about work projects, worrying what others think of us, social media, and entertainment can keep our mind going all day long.
It’s no wonder so many people feel exhausted when our minds are running mental and emotional marathons every day.
But here’s the good news. You can simplify your life. We have a great example in Jesus, He lived the most meaningful, productive, and relationally full life. But He also lived simply, focusing on God, others, and his own health.
Let’s press pause on everything competing for your limited time and energy so you can refocus your life on God, others, and your own health.
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