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Friday, Jan 5 - Surrendering Your Time
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DEVOTIONAL: “SURRENDERING MY TIME”
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“I just haven’t had the time lately.”
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“I have too much on my plate already.”
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“I need to focus on work (or that project, or myself…) right now.”
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Each day, you arise and are presented with the opportunity to find ways to utilize your time. And yet, you might give yourself excuses like those above when presented with opportunities to give some time to God. While you are probably aware of who is most deserving of your time, there are always plenty of distractions fighting for it. Whether it’s doing homework, changing diapers, or running kids to sports practices, it is very easy to let the day overwhelm your schedule and leave what can feel like no time for Jesus.
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However, it seems that on the days when I feel I have no time to spare, I often waste the most time. I find I have days consumed by mindless scrolling, getting pulled into a TV show, or giving myself to things or relationships of this world all before giving my time to the most important, eternal relationship in my life.
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But how can we find ourselves giving so much time to distractions when we belong to the eternal kingdom of Heaven? I believe the answer is found by examining oneself to see where our priorities lie.
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When you take a look at your schedule, you will find you typically only do things which are important to you. Something can be important for various reasons. You might do something because of personal interest, or because it interests a loved one. Other things you do out of necessity to survive. These things of personal importance are what you will always find yourself doing in both busy and idle times.
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Let me be clear, there is nothing wrong with an involved schedule. In fact, throughout Scripture, we are commanded not to be idlers. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12) Productivity and work are good things. The problem lies in how our priorities stack up. If spending time with God every day is not your number one priority, you are failing to fully surrender your time to Him. No one and nothing is as deserving of your time as God! A few great ways you can surrender your time to God are spending time in prayer each morning, meditating on Scripture, and serving others. In the end, while we all have busy schedules, you will always have time for what is important to you.
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As we close, let me give you one final question to ponder: If someone were to look at your life from the outside, how would they see you spend your time? What would they conclude you care about most?
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Gracious God, help me surrender my time to you. Help me give you my mornings, days, and nights. Remind me to even give you my moments, for they are actually Your moments. Help me not be frustrated when you bring an unexpected moment into my schedule, rather help me to embrace the moment and give my time to You. In Jesus name, Amen.
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