I feel so pressed for time almost every day, and I am convinced that is not what God wants. I wish life was all play and no work. My workload is always full, and my kids’ bellies are always empty. I have a mountain of tasks and not enough minutes. You too?
God is the Creator of the concept of time. As time’s Designer, wouldn’t He also be the One to consult on how to use it wisely? He has plans for us and wants to be glorified. Our society conveys you can “do it all” and that YOU are the boss. God, on the other hand, has a different say on things. Let’s dive into God’s Word together!
GOD’S TOP 6 TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS
(in no particular order because i didn’t have the t-i-m-e to take it to that level—ha):
1. HORSE BEFORE THE CART
1 Corinthians 14:40 says everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
He is not a God of chaos, but a God of peace. There is an order to how things should be done. All things. He is not schizophrenic or manic or overwhelmed. And if we are to be like Him and have the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16) as believers, let’s CONSULT Him on the who/what/when/where/why/how of every task. Ever have a ridiculous To Do list and don’t know where to start? Ask Him, “Lord, I have so much to do. What should I do first?” He is all-knowing and can sift and sort best.
I have often looked at my list and as my head starts to spin, I grab my Bible. I do know God wants me to start with Him. “Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). As I pray, praise, and study His Word, I conclude with, “Hey Jesus, can you help me with my day? Will you direct me where to start? Will you fuel me along the way?” He is so faithful to respond, “I am glad you asked. It is my pleasure.”
2. FOCUS ON TODAY
James 4:13-15 reminds us, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
Psalm 90:12 prompts, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 39:4-5 asks, “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.”
We are not the deciders of our destiny. God has the master plan. We get so caught up in our plans and schedules. Do we ask God if He even wants us to do every single one of those things or do we plan first and expect His permission and blessing to follow?
Those verses are not telling us to never plan anything because that would be unwise. But we must have the perspective that today, right now, we want to be in the middle of His perfect and pleasing will for our lives.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so make today count. Easier said than done, sure, but it is always our goal to live in the now and do what is important for the kingdom. If your life ends this month, could you reflect on it and know you valued each day?
3. SAY NO
Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
I really want to joke about how my kids are really taking “a time for war” literally! The Lord, the inventor of clocks and seasons, understands our day’s demands. There is a time for everything. Maybe you’re in a season of a new business; do not allow the enemy to guilt you about not taking international mission trips. Maybe you are juggling both motherhood and the title of entrepreneur; this may not be your time to run the middle school bake sale. Or you have a marriage that is hard; it is okay to not bring dinner to your sick neighbor.
We get so caught up in doing what is “good” that it may not be “God’s best.” Mission trips, bake sales, helping neighbors…all good things, yes. But you cannot and should not be pressured into being Super Woman. This may be your time to just NOT. Saying “no” shows wisdom.
4. MILK EACH MOMENT
Colossians 4:5 instructs, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
Make the most of every single opportunity. God has so many purposeful experiences in store for us.
You are talking with a new client. Make the most of that conversation. “Hi Judy, how is your day really unfolding? May I pray for you about anything?”
Your husband comes home stressed from work. Make the most of that moment. “Honey, go take off your shoes. I want to give you a massage because I can tell you have worked hard and need a break. It is my honor to serve you.”
Your kids spill milk all over the floor. Make the most of that opportunity. “Sweetie, let’s clean this together. I’m helping you because I love you. Just today I spilled my shake onto my white shirt.”
God wants us to pause and live in the now.
5. MAKE A PLAN AND THEN CROSS OFF HALF OF IT
Proverbs 16:9 reads, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
1 Corinthians 10:23 warns, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
God wants us to be wise, not floating around aimlessly. We do not need to obsess about the future. We come up with great ideas (today I’m going to post on social media, write sales copy, and organize my desk) and ask Him how we can do that in a way that honors Him and fulfills His will.
I had a plan for my life as a 20 year old. My life at 45 looks nothing like that plan. Because God is the boss. And while His plan is so different, I’m learning to appreciate the journey He designed for me. God is not out to spoil our fun and make us miserable. He says, “You can do whatever you want because you have free will. BUT, is it fruitful?” We are “allowed” to do anything, but we must be so plugged in to Christ that we realize that “can” does not equal “should.”
Let’s stop being controlling and submit to His ways.
6. MAKE IT MEANINGFUL
1 Corinthians 10:31 commands, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Your days are monotonous and routine, right? He knows about the Facebook post you labored on that got few views. He watches how you coach clients who don’t follow your suggestions. He sees you hold the door open, smile at a stranger, scrub the toilet, and pay the bills.
He is telling us, “Do it for Me. Post and coach and work for Me. I am your Everything. I am your great reward. I enable you to live and move and have your being. You are mine. While you work on earth, I am creating a most beautiful space for you in Heaven. Delight yourself in Me so that you may serve Me. I want you to make Me known by your actions. Represent Me.” What a shift in our attitude!
When you talk with clients, think to God, “Thank you for giving me the time and ability to do this. Will you use me to bless these people? Will you help me to do this for you and not for others’ praise?”
We will always have responsibilities and only 24 hours in a day. But what can change is our perspective and motivation and even the amount we do. God has written the BEST Book on TIME MANAGEMENT.
Guest Writer:
Debbie Baisden is a remarried widow who went from hating salads and avoiding sweat, to loving nutrition and fitness. A crazy mom of four boys, her days are filled with volume, wildness, and destruction. She lives in North Carolina and loves cuddling their rescue dogs, joking with her kids, and watching trash TV with her husband. Staying anchored in Jesus, her focus is “In His strength and for His glory.”
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