Monday, March 30, 2009

Doing More

God put me on earth to accomplish a certain number of things," someone wrote, "and right now I am so far behind I will never die!"

We smile at that, but if you are a person (like me!) who always feels you could be doing more than you're doing, stop for a minute. Is "more" always better?

Maybe you're thinking, "If I were just a little better organized, I could squeeze more (there's that word again) into my life. I could accomplish more."

Thousands of dollars are spent on seminars every year to help people do just that--to help them maximize their lives. These training classes are often helpful. In fact, it would be hard to attend any one of them and not pick up some useful pointers that would make us more efficient.

Not surprisingly, most of us carry the same idea into our spiritual lives as well. We attend retreats and citywide gatherings. We buy books and tapes. We try new methods of Bible study and experiment with new prayer journals. All of this we do to maximize our Christian life. Sometimes it helps, and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes we just come away saying, "Those are great ideas, but I just can't do it all. I'm 'maxed out' already."

Gail MacDonald writes, "There is a strange sort of logic that suggests that spiritual resource and renewal are found in constantly seeking new voices, attending more meetings, listening to incessant music, and gathering to exchange half thought-out opinions. How often do we fall into the trap of believing God is most pleased when we have maximized our information, our schedules, our relationships?"

Maybe God doesn't care whether or not we get more done. I don't see anywhere in Scripture where it says we'll get a greater reward for having done more. God does expect us to be wise with the resources He has given us, but the rewards come for faithfulness, not quantity of task performed.

What does God really want from us? Take a look at this verse: "For who is he who will devote himself to be close to me," asks God (Jeremiah 30:21). That's the challenge--simply being close to God!

Yes, we have battles to fight and schedules to keep. But if we need something "more", it's more of God. His presence is far more necessary to our well-being than any amount of organizational skills or efficiency techniques!

Today, check up on your love relationship with the Lord. God wants us to be close to His heart--whether we get "more" done or not!
By: Darlene Sala Encouraging Words for Women

I wanted to share this with you....these words encourages me when I am under pressure. Lately, this is happening alot... with tax season underway and trying to get everything ready to send to the accountant, working, helping our with my Mom and other life pressures...the plate runneth over!!! I need "more" of God how about you?

11 comments:

Melanie said...

Amen, Darlene! I am with you... what I need more of is God!! Great post!

Krista said...

Very good post. My plate runneth over at times too. Praying your load gets lighter!

Angela said...

This was AWESOME...thanks so much for sharing.

Denise said...

Amen, more, more, more of God.

Tricia said...

Hey Darlene,
What a great post... this really spoke to me, I never remember reading this verse before...

"For who is he who will devote himself to be close to me," asks God (Jeremiah 30:21). That's the challenge--simply being close to God!

"Yes, we have battles to fight and schedules to keep. But if we need something "more", it's more of God. His presence is far more necessary to our well-being than any amount of organizational skills or efficiency techniques!"

Thanks for sharing, and I hope you get lots more of God this week!

Blessings!

Sharon Brumfield said...

Boy do I understand this post!
I have enjoyed my time away with the Lord...don't know if I can put what He has taught me into words...but I will sure try when I get back.
For months He had been telling me to Be Still and Know that He is God...but there was always something to take up my mind space.
It is good to be alone with our creator...how else will we here of His love for us?
Peace be still....He speaks it to us all.

DeeDee said...

that is good Darlene...
and I love that first quote.
Gave me a smile...
LOL
have a great day!

Meredith said...

I'm with you! My daytimer runneth over or will try to run over me if I let it. My house is messy, but I read some scripture.....today anyway!

May you find some free moments with More God this week!

Debra Kaye said...

Thank you for this, Darlene. I really needed to hear it today!!

Blessings to you sweet friend!

Karen said...

Very wise words! Thanks for the encouraging post!

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Hi Darlene,
That was a great post. Thank you for your comment on my blog!
I'm glad to have you as a friend and as far as I can see from your blog I'm going to be back often!!
It's funny I came here to not only visit but leave you a link to a free download on spring cleaning the heart and home but now I might not! LOL. Just kidding. This is a great little download. You'll have to go back and download the other days as she has it in segments but it's really good.
http://www.avirtuouswoman.org/group/p31springcleanchallenge2009
I'm going to do my part to get you out of the 30 range! Word spreads believe me. You already got some wonderful ladies in that group. Wow I just bounced from one thing back to the next didn't I? Get used to it! LOL.
Blessings to you.
Kim