There’s so many things in this world constantly competing for our attention. We’re busy people. Work, social engagements, school functions etc. You name it, we’re there. It’s as if none of it would go on without us. Wrong! We, as humans, are designed to be in community with others. That’s fine. It feeds that hunger to connect. We just have to remember one thing. Busyness is not all we need. Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37-39‬ NLT)

So this scripture is extremely clear. God first, then others. Because we live in a broken world, everything is upside down and backwards. We give anyone and everything our attention while God sits quietly in the background of our lives just wanting to interject His ways to make life easier. He sees our struggles. He sees how hard we try to please people that sometimes can’t be pleased. It’s like He’s beckoning us to come to Him, sit for a little while and get recharged. Instead, we jump out of bed and head out into a tough world trying to be productive. We’re more like a cell phone that hasn’t been charged. We’re trying to make life work, but the “call” just won’t go through. Our vertical relationship with The Lord is crucial to our horizontal relationships in the world. We, like a cellular device, have to plug in and recharge. You wouldn’t drive your car out of state on empty. You wouldn’t get very far. But how often do we tackle life on empty? More than we’d probably like to admit. 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ NLT). This is going to take a little time, but it’s worth it. The hustle and bustle of life brings anxiety. Too much, too fast. To slow down and sit with The Lord to get His perspective on things before they happen is critical to your mental well-being. If you place things and situations in His capable hands to begin with, outcomes are going to be so much better. He just wants to be invited to do life with you. He loves you and He cares, but He’s going to let you do things your way if that’s what you desire. We’re not robots. He doesn’t program us. No Double A batteries required, but time with your Creator is necessary for traversing these tough times we find ourselves living in. 

So, if we’re not plugging into our Power Source, all this “work” is useless. It will not produce the meaning we’re looking for. Yes, God designed our lives to have meaning and purpose. It can only be found in Him. We try to fill the void with anything and everything the world offers to no avail. Life with all its encounters will only make sense and be fulfilling with Jesus at the very top of the list. Spending time with Him will produce the desire for more of Him. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him (‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ NLT). So when everything is competing for your attention in life, call a timeout! Get with Jesus and get a game plan to tackle the to-do list facing you. You’ll face it with peace and confidence only if you get His input first. That’s truly your only requirement.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.