Time Out!

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-5 (NKJV)

We all experience seasons in our lives, and I have just labeled the last twelve weeks as my busy season! High school basketball games, family illness, office work, cooking, cleaning, teaching a weekly Bible study, vacation, planning after-prom events, etc... I just want to yell "Time out!"

Last week I admitted to a friend I wished for just one lazy week with nothing to do. She quickly said she would never wish for that and explained being busy always brings opportunities to serve God. By stopping, we may miss out on a chance to make a difference in someone's life. Hmm... She made a difference in my life that day, and I decided to change my attitude based on her good advice.

The first thing I did was to think of a verse I could meditate on. Immediately, the words "delight yourself in the Lord" came to my mind. I did not take the time to look up the scripture; I just kept repeating those words every time I began to feel overwhelmed. I cannot explain the peace I felt just by having those words on my mind.

After a week, I decided it was time to find that verse. I looked up the passage and read the two verses together. I will always be amazed and thankful at how God meets my needs even when I don't know exactly what they are. God took my anxieties and turned them into delights. The desire of my heart was to feel some relief, and He accomplished that in me. I committed my way to Him, and I do trust Him. He made it all happen!

God didn't remove me from my commitments, but He gave me His Word, along with strength and grace to finish my tasks. He reminded me life is a delight when I include Him. As I look back, I know God used a one of those busy moments to encourage a younger mom.

I know there are times in life when we need to be still. But when we find ourselves in a busy season, remember to delight in the Lord. Commit your tasks to Him and trust Him. He will make good things happen and the desires of your hearts will be met.

Lord, forgive us for neglecting to see opportunities to serve You when we get busy in our lives. Thank you for telling us to delight in You.

Janet Stutzman