The Best Time Management Tool

“Early in the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” (Psalm 5:3) 

 I tried daytimers and planners, schedules and how-to books. I tried getting up earlier and staying up later. I studied efficiency and prioritizing, all to no avail. There were never enough hours in my day, and I never accomplished all that I hoped to do. Finally I discovered what I feel like is the best time management tool we can ever employ- our daily quiet time. 

Several years ago I began the consistent practice of starting my day with an appointment with God. The Bible tells us that Jesus did this. “Very early in the morning, while it was yet dark, Jesus went away to a solitary place to pray.” (Mark 1:35) 

My quiet time contains many of the same elements that you have in yours, I’m sure. I spend time reading a portion of the Bible, praying for the needs of my family and others, and praising and thanking God for who He is and what He is doing in my life.

 After I have walked through those components, I begin my “strategizing” for the day. First, I think through the day ahead. Sometimes I sketch it out on a piece of paper. I draw up a tentative schedule, or maybe just a “to do” list of the things I hope to accomplish. 

Next, I pray. During my prayer, I give the Lord “my” day. I ask Him to take away those things that are not a part of His plan for me. I ask Him to maximize my energy and resources so that I can be most effective. I ask Him to help me see people as He sees them and to conduct myself accordingly. I ask Him to bring to my consciousness what I most need to do, to be, and to say that day. 

Then I stop talking and let Him talk. Sometimes, during those times when I am quiet and listening for His voice, a person or a need will come to mind. I will add them to my list. Sometimes a great idea will come to me. I know those are from the Lord! Occasionally, I will rethink something on my list and take it off, or I might replace it with a better idea or approach. It is during this time of quietly listening that I submit my will to the Lord’s and get my marching orders from the King. 

The results of Jesus’ quiet times were that he always did those things that pleased the Father. (John 8:28) That is my goal too. I encourage you to give Jesus’ time management tip a try. The results will amaze you! 

 Application Questions: 

Are you frustrated and overwhelmed by your ‘to do” list? 

Are you busy but not productive? 

Do you feel as though you don’t have time to pray and read your Bible? 

Action Step for This Week: 

Commit to meet daily with God in prayer and Bible reading. At the end of the week, evaluate the results. 

 Prayer of Commitment: 

“Lord, Jesus was our example of how we should live our lives on this earth. If Jesus, who was God in the flesh, thought it was important to meet with you each day, then I know I should. I commit to devote time every day this week to read my Bible and pray. As I submit each day to you, help me listen to your voice and obey what you tell me to do and not to do. Help me be efficient and effective in the tasks you give me. Bless the work of my hands as I submit it to you.” 

This devotion is an excerpt from Lori's devotional book, Joy in the Journey - Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. For more information on Lori's book, click HERE.

If you would like more information on having Lori speak to your homeschool group, click HERE. 

If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul. 
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life. 

Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.



Delivered by FeedBurner

Hungry for God is on Facebook! Will you take a moment and LIKE my page? CLICK HERE to help HFG share 5-minute devotions.