February 16
Mark 1:29-2:12
What do you consider a productive day? Is it checking several things off your to do list? Is it making a bunch of money? Often our view of productivity looks more American than biblical, and more like the disciples than that of Jesus. Jesus’ public ministry has just begun and the disciples were ecstatic about the size of the crowds and their growing influence, but Jesus was not focused on those things. Instead, Jesus was alone in the dark praying. Jesus understood that ultimate productivity is found in time with the Father and obedience to God's leading.
We can have a massive following, make loads of money, assert great power, and accomplish great feats, but if these things do not come from God, then they are meaningless. So, instead of running and accomplishing, we need to stop, slow down, and pray. We need to be people who are known by the time we spend with God. It is so easy to fill our calendars with activities that we lose sight of what is most important. We can even fill our lives with good things but miss out on the best thing. God is more concerned about us being with him than doing things for him. As Jim Cymbala said, “The main thing God asks for is our attention.” So let us turn our eyes to God and allow ourselves to be consumed with him.
Father God, help me to be still and spend time with you. I confess I often get so caught up in doing that I miss out on being with you. Help me to spend time with you and prioritize you over everything. Amen.
How could you learn to prioritize prayer more than you do now?
What do you consider a productive day? Is it checking several things off your to do list? Is it making a bunch of money? Often our view of productivity looks more American than biblical, and more like the disciples than that of Jesus. Jesus’ public ministry has just begun and the disciples were ecstatic about the size of the crowds and their growing influence, but Jesus was not focused on those things. Instead, Jesus was alone in the dark praying. Jesus understood that ultimate productivity is found in time with the Father and obedience to God's leading.
We can have a massive following, make loads of money, assert great power, and accomplish great feats, but if these things do not come from God, then they are meaningless. So, instead of running and accomplishing, we need to stop, slow down, and pray. We need to be people who are known by the time we spend with God. It is so easy to fill our calendars with activities that we lose sight of what is most important. We can even fill our lives with good things but miss out on the best thing. God is more concerned about us being with him than doing things for him. As Jim Cymbala said, “The main thing God asks for is our attention.” So let us turn our eyes to God and allow ourselves to be consumed with him.
Father God, help me to be still and spend time with you. I confess I often get so caught up in doing that I miss out on being with you. Help me to spend time with you and prioritize you over everything. Amen.
How could you learn to prioritize prayer more than you do now?
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