I try to begin my days with a cup of coffee and my time with God. I begin with a few online meditations and continue into whichever specific book of the Bible that I have been studying. I know that my days unfold much better when I start with this quiet time alone with God and His Word. Why, then, do I allow myself to become distracted by "just" putting on a new pot of coffee, or by "just" responding to one e-mail? Often, several hours later or even at the end of the day, I find myself bereft of this precious time with God and frustrated that the day has passed in a directionless manner.

Psalm 119:37 – Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. (NKJV)

I am currently reading this Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. As you may be aware, each of the 22 sections of the Hebrew text is entitled sequentially with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each of the eight verses within each section begins with that same letter. When you think of the complexities of adhering to such a format, you really see God's inspiration to the writer. Normally, in my devotional time, I read an entire chapter and then use some study tools to dig into the meaning of the text. In this case, I read only eight verses at once. I was captivated when I read verse 37, and, I must say, my mind continues to wander back to it. One of my recent daily readings noted that if we have done nothing in the day to further our relationship with Christ, then we have wasted the day. Verse 37 resonates with the same message, for the "worthless things" could also be interpreted as "worthless activities".

While I am still searching for God's purpose for my life, I am certain that simply "being busy" is not it! I need to remind myself each and every morning that each day that God grants me is a gift. I must not waste the day, but use it to further my relationship with Him. The best way to honour this is to begin my day with God and His Word so that He can turn my eyes "away from worthless things" and to His purpose for my day.

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (NKJV)

Do you find yourself, like me, on the merry-go-round of life trying to squeeze God in at the end of a busy day and feeling frustrated that you haven't heard from Him? Will you pray with me?

Prayer: Dear Lord, we give You thanks for the gift of each day that You grant us here on earth. Forgive us when we marginalize You in the busyness of everyday life. Help us to honour You by making time to be with You and to study Your Word each day. You have created each of us for a specific purpose. Remind us that spending time in Your Word will light the way that You have planned for each of us. Amen.

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About the author:

Orlanda Drebit <orlandadrebit@hotmail.com>
Manitou Beach, Saskatchewan, Canada
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