Last week, on April 22nd, I read the devotion, “Listen to Me Continually,” by Sarah Young (Jesus Calling, Integrity Publishers, 2004).
Did you happen to read it, too?
As you may know, Sarah determined a number of years ago to listen to God with pen in hand and write down whatever she believed he was saying to her. Those meditative moments became this book.
God’s messages through Sarah often speak timely challenges to me. Last Thursday was no exception.
First, a bit of background.
As I write this, my to-do list is a bit long, even though I’m retired. (To those who are still employed or still have children at home under your charge, that sounds ridiculous, I know. But let me tell you, retirement does not change how busy you are, just what you are busy doing.)
Not only is that list of tasks long, but I have a strong desire to do a thorough job on each item. After all,
(“If a task is worth doing, it is worth doing well.”)
Except that goal can easily lead to perfectionism, which I do have to fight against.
So here is what Sarah sensed Jesus telling her for April 22nd:
When Jesus died, he set us free. That includes freedom from compulsive planning.
And that’s exactly what I have been doing: figuring out when I could accomplish certain jobs, deciding whether a few tasks could be postponed, wondering if I’d be able to accomplish everything–on time.
Jesus continued; Sarah wrote more:
When we’re distracted by a whirlwind of thoughts, we cannot hear his voice.
Oh, Lord, that is so true. Sometimes my thoughts are a stress-inducing jumble of “Stay on task! Don’t waste a minute! Don’t forget that! Do this first!” No wonder I feel overwhelmed.
Then Jesus and Sarah hit me between the eyes:
“A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control.”
Oh, my. I never thought of planning as a possible idol, something excessively adored.
But there is truth in that idea. I do prefer to be in control, to feel competent in handling my responsibilities, to know that everything will be accomplished efficiently and in a timely manner.
That sounds an awful lot like pride, doesn’t it.
I don’t think the problem lies in the planning, as if it’s a sin to make a to-do list.
The sin is in the attitude. I need to ask myself: Is my planning an effort toward making an impression? Rooting for compliments? Looking for a pat on the back? I have to be honest. Sometimes, yes.
Jesus reminded me (through Sarah) that my attention needs to be on him, not on the best ways to complete a task list. I need to listen to him, not the voices telling me to hurry to do this; scurry to do that.
And what will be the result? Stress will melt away, and I’ll enjoy the peaceful, God-enhanced, abundant life he’s promised. I’ll be more useful to him and compliant to his will instead of mine.
That sounds much more satisfying and enjoyable, doesn’t it.
* * * * * * * * * *
Heavenly Father, I am so sorry that I’ve allowed a preoccupation with planning to become an idol. Help me to hold very loosely the plans I make, in order to embrace the interruptions and changes ordained by you. Teach me also to release control of the to-do list to you. Amen.
Photo credits: www.imgbuddy.com; http://www.picturequotes.com; http://www.eastbabtlife.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Sarah’s book challenges me every time I read it–such powerful reminders!
When I keep my eyes (and ears) on the Holy Spirit speaking to me I’m reminded that the strength to do anything at all comes from God. And when I don’t? Because life happens? Then I realize GOD has a plan and I need to rest in it.
Idols–those awful things that we turn into little gods….that get in the way of the One True God.
Oh, yes, Jody. Rest in God’s plan–which surely does not include rushing around in order to accomplish a to-do list. Somehow I can’t picture Jesus doing that during his years of earthly ministry! I need to visualize him–his calm demeanor, his unhurried pace, and his gracious acceptance of interruptions. Thank you, Jody!
How perfect this post is for me. I had never linked planning to control before. It is in my DNA to be a planner…and being organized is OK. I agree, though, that this does and has led me to being a perfectionist…which is indeed stressful! I need to be more flexible…because at a moment’s notice the Lord may interrupt what I am doing in order to do something He considers to be a higher priority. Going with His flow…that is the way to go. And that is the way to be following His will. Excellent!
“Going with HIS flow.” I like that, Cheri! ‘Also appreciate your comment about God’s priorities, because some items on my ongoing task list are not his priority–they’re mine. For me, the way to go involves LETTING go of unnecessary things. Thank you, Cheri!
Ah, yes, Martha Syndrome. Interesting for me, reading this one hour after finding out I have to re-arrange my entire schedule in order to write a screenplay in one month!
Yes, a Martha I tend to be. And “Oh my!” to your deadline! I’ll be praying, Mitch.
Excellent blog, Nancy. Walking with Jesus every minute helps us live simply and free. Thanks for the reminder. Love you so very much and loved the video of your 91 yr old Dad playing the piano. I see the love of Jesus and His grace in your dad’s life.
You are so right, Nikki. Practicing Christ’s presence is paramount to experiencing freedom and abundant living. ‘Still developing that habit! Thank you for your loyal following of the blog and especially for your love. As for Dad, isn’t he amazing? To still be able to play the piano in spite of arthritic fingers! And yes, he DOES exemplify the power of God’s grace!
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“When we’re distracted by a whirlwind of thoughts, we cannot hear his voice.” Wow. Bullseye! I’m not a perfectionist, but I am most assuredly distracted by the mental whirlwind. Thought-provoking post, Nancy.
Thanks to Sarah Young, who provoked my thoughts in the first place! And thank you for being such a faithful reader, Rebeca.
Yes Nancy! I like you, am retired with way too many people pleasing tasks in every day. Jesus (through Sarah) got my attention with the same quote, “a mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol if control”. I wrote it on a sticky note and attached it to my laptop! Today, I ask God to be revealed to me in everyone I come in contact with – those needing Him and that I am obedient to serve as He directs my daily steps.
I’m a fan of writing myself truth-reminders too. I do believe it helps with the internalization. Your last comment reminded me of an old hymn we used to sing when I was a child, “Make Me a Blessing.” Maybe you remember it too?