From Dust to Dawn

"Get involved! Stay active!" Energized by the religious, cultural, educational, and athletic opportunities available, we enthusiastically follow our interests wherever they lead us. We can handle one more meeting, and sure, we can serve on that committee, and we promise ourselves we'll work out at the gym a few hours each week. Our carefully constructed calendar tells us it can be done, so we do it. We do it until we realize we're no longer engaged or excited. Just exhausted.

The temptation to take on too much has stalked the lives of God's people throughout Bible history. Moses rose to a position of power and leadership, then found himself faced with the formidable task of single-handedly maintaining order and justice among the tribes of Israel (Exodus 18:13-26). The apostles drew many believers to the gospel, then realized the job of helping an expanding congregation was more than they could handle (Acts 6:1-7). And imagine what the calendar of a "wife of noble character" might have looked like (Proverbs 31:10-31).

David's delight that God brought him to a "spacious place" (Psalm 18:19) holds as true for us as it did for him. His to-do list included winning battles against enemies, outwitting contenders to his throne, overcoming the effects of his personal sin and guilt, and reigning over Judah and Israel. He was busy! Nonetheless, God's "spacious place" lay ready and waiting for David simply because God delighted in him—the same way God delights in you.

To find your "spacious place," daily offer yourself, your activities, and the hours of your day to God, asking him to give you wisdom and discernment as you make decisions about which activities to accept, which to seek help with, and which to avoid. When you do, you'll find yourself willing to accept your God-given responsibilities (rather than self-imposed responsibilities) and make positive choices among your many options. From this "spacious place," you can begin your day with a light heart and a positive frame of mind, no matter what the hours bring and no matter how pressing your tasks and responsibilities. Jesus promised that if you "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness … all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).

When we follow his leading, not only does he make our path clear, but he gives us the energy to enjoy our work, responsibilities, and activities to their fullest, because we've prioritized them and allowed a healthy balance between work and rest. Let God, the giver of time, show you how to live—and enjoy—the time of your life.

Excerpted from "Soul Care for Women Leaders," a six-session Bible study at ChristianBibleStudies.com.

Read more articles that highlight writing by Christian women at ChristianityToday.com/Women