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Jennifer Hayes Yates

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The One Thing–in His Presence

August 15, 2015 By Jennifer H. Yates 7 Comments

15 Aug

I don’t multi-task. I know I should. I am a woman, after all. But, sorry, I have a one-track mind. My family and co-workers have learned that if I am doing something else when they speak to me, I don’t hear them. It’s sad, really. On the surface, I hear what they say, but my brain doesn’t put it in that memory spot. My boss at work has learned to just give me sticky-notes.

On the other hand, I can do one thing really well. But how does a busy wife, mom, teacher, writer, speaker, music director, and friend (fill in your blanks here ______________) manage multiple tasks one at a time–and find the time?

Perhaps you are a multi-tasker and still have trouble managing your time well. I have learned a secret that I want to share with you over the next couple of posts. Whether you are a uni-tasker (is that a word?) or a multi-tasker, this secret will be the key to unlocking the door of peace and productivity for you.

Here it is: start your day by focusing on just one thing–Jesus.

I know what you are thinking. You don’t have time! You try to have a regular quiet time, but you can’t get up early enough or you can’t stay focused. You start to pray and get side-tracked by thoughts of the day ahead and all your responsibilities. Or maybe you just don’t know what to do during that time. These used to be my thoughts, too.

I want to look at three passages of Scripture over the next few days. Today, let’s start with David in the Psalms. To put this passage in perspective, David is facing down an enemy who wants to destroy him. Have you ever felt as if you would be destroyed by your schedule? I’m not making light of David’s situation, but remember that as Christians, we have an enemy, Satan. His job is to use whatever he can to make you ineffective for Christ. If he can use your schedule to tear you down, he will.

The LORD is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD (Psalm 27:1-6, NIV).

Have you ever started your day with anxiety in your heart over all of your responsibilities? I have. Have you ever lost your confidence because you were so overwhelmed, you couldn’t figure out where to start? Me, too. The enemy will use our many responsibilities and our busyness to keep us in anxiety, stress, fear, and distraction from what is really important. Oftentimes, we are our own worst enemy because we take on more responsibility than God intended for us.

But David knew how to face down the enemy with confidence: face-down before His God.

David sought only one thing: to dwell in God’s presence, where he would find beauty, safety, shelter, confidence, and joy to face the day. I have found that by starting my day in quiet time before the Lord, He gives me peace and strength for whatever I face. I also have to take “Jesus breaks” throughout the day to refocus my heart and mind.

Over the next few days, I want to share my strategy for seeking one thing. In the meantime, think about this: David was facing evil men who wanted to devour him. We face an enemy who wants to devour us.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:6-8).

Has the enemy been using anxiety and busyness to devour you? Then listen to the words of David in the Word of God. It’s mighty good news to a one-tracker like me.

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Filed Under: Quiet Time Tagged With: anxiety, Bible study, busyness, Christian devotional, David, Jennifer H Yates, one thing, Psalm 27, quiet time, responsibilities, stress, The One Thing--in His Presence

« Tav–The Power of the Cross
One Thing–Knowing Jesus »

About Jennifer H Yates

About Jennifer H Yates

Hey friends! I'm Jen--wife, mama, and empty-nester. I love to write, read, and drink coffee, especially with friends. I enjoy my family, my church, my small group, and most of all, my quiet time with Jesus. Come join me on this journey as we run after God together!

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