My life is a bit crazy right now. There’s just a lot going on and I’m feeling overwhelmed with it all. When I start to feel this way, I know it’s time to pause and reflect on my priorities. Usually, the overwhelmed and stressed out feelings are caused by having my priorities in the wrong order, or having the wrong priorities altogether.
We make time for the things that we prioritize. What you water will grow. Consider how your life is going right now, and if you aren’t content with it, then you probably should take a look at your priorities.
If what you water grows, then what you neglect eventually shrivels up and dies. So if your priorities are all messed up and you’re giving preference to the wrong things, what’s truly important in your life may wither away – and this could be anything, like your marriage, your finances, or even your relationship with God.
Start by first making a list of your current priorities. What are the top 5 things you spend the most time doing? Don’t leave out anything and don’t lie to yourself. Nobody has to see this. So if it’s social media, write it down. There’s no shame, no regret, it’s just getting it on paper so it can stare back at you and you can see the blaring issues.
Now make a new list. This one is a list of what your priorities should be (in a perfect world).
One way to make sure that my priorities are in the proper order is by turning to the Bible to see what God says our priorities should be. Here are a few verses that stay stuck in my head at any given time regarding how I should go about deciding what I spend my time on:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:3-4
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:34
You shall have no other gods before me. – Exodus 20:3
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” – Matthew 19:21
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. – Ecclesiastes 3:1
So how about you, do you need to reorder your priorities?
God, I pray that you will direct my path. Your Word says the steps of a man are ordered by the Lord. Please guide me and point me in the right direction. Teach me your ways, Oh Lord, My God, and I will walk in your truth. It can be tough sometimes knowing what the next right thing to do is, so I put my trust in you, that you will be a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. I know sometimes my priorities get all mixed up. I start doing things for the wrong reasons, with wrong motives, and often when I do, I’m met with resistance and strife in my relationships. Please purify my heart, cleanse it and make me new; give me an undivided heart, so I can do your will. I know that if I live in the light of your love, you will provide all of my needs and so much more. You already have, time and time again. As I go about my day today, please help me to stay on track, keep my focus on the right priorities, and in so doing, I pray for your blessings in my life. I love you and praise you. You are my God and my lips will ever praise you. Amen.
What do you think?