Make Room

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
    so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
    Blessed are those who wait for his help.
                                                     Isaiah 30:18 NLT

It’s August. That means that those with children at home are busy getting them back to school.  Churches and communities swing back into their fall schedules.  We scurry to catch up and create the routine that will work this year. So where does your time with God fit into the new schedule?

I’ve heard friends say, “I don’t have time to do my devotions and pray as I know I need to.” They usually say it with regret and longing. They usually add, “I really want to spend more time with God!”

Imagine a little child with her hands filled with good things, like candy.  She’s offered a better thing, like her favorite cupcakes.  You see the questioning look on her face as she reaches out with full hands. We know what she needs to do.  If she wants a cupcake, she will have to put the candy down!

Yes, you may have your hands (day) full of good things.  But, believe me, God is waiting to give you something much better, like love, joy, peace of mind, the strength to do all you need to do, and so much more.  It’s your choice.  The Lord is standing waiting for you to make room so he can help you in the areas of your life where no one or nothing else can help.

Here is the thing, though.  God will use the time you give him, but he doesn’t just want fifteen minutes in the morning or even an hour.  He wants you to surrender your entire day.  You know when he is in charge, things go much more smoothly. And even when something goes wrong, when you trust he is in control, you seem to be able to make it through it in peace.

The good news is that the Holy Spirit will help you make room and create a new schedule.  In Philippians 2:13 Paul gives us a wonderful promise to claim regularly. “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Just ask him. God is waiting to bless you this fall.  Make room for him.

Dear friends, be blessed as you choose to surrender your schedule to the Lord. Be filled with more peace as you come to him daily and trust him to stretch your time and multiply your energy so you have time for what really matters. Receive his love and compassion as you soak in his presence.  Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ August 8, 2023