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I admire big-picture people, but I’m not one of them. I’m naturally drawn to details. Concise details give me clarity, and I appreciate it. But on a day-to-day basis, if I’m not careful, those same details can make things more cloudy for me than clear.

It’s easy to get entangled in “stuff” these days—good stuff, and even great stuff, but all too often, much of it is just unnecessary excess. I always want to squeeze in one last detail to “make progress,” which eats into my time for the next thing. So often I’ve heard in my spirit “stop now,” but kept my foot on the gas anyhow, engaging one more idea, returning one more phone call, responding to one more email or text, or working just a few more minutes (hours) before I move on….

A friend recently told me I need to learn how to literally drop everything, for Jesus.

I listened, but got a bit defensive because I know all about putting an end to things—habits, lifestyles, etc.—for the Lord.

But she meant literally stopping whatever I’m doing at a particular time and actually doing it for Jesus.

It may sound trivial, but here’s my example: To put a hard stop on whatever responsibility I’m in the middle of, just to go to sleep at an earlier hour, somehow seems to be slack or even selfish if I think about it too long.

But when I re-direct those thoughts to God, and make the cut-off for Him—dropping everything in that moment just so I can shift all things to make time to be alone with Him—I become that Big-Picture person I so highly regard. Clutter moves out and divine order takes over because the Big Picture, what’s most important in this life, is in clear view.

Getting to bed early may be a no-brainer for some. But it’s one reason why so many are simply too exhausted for quality time alone with the Creator. On the other hand, some of us turn in early every night and wake up before the sun only to get a head start on the grind again without giving God more than a nod or a quick “thank you.”

It’s good to acknowledge Him and be thankful. It’s good to go to church or sing a song. But He wants more. Our Maker desires to be what truly comes first in our lives, not just in our words, but in our actions. He wants us to enjoy Him—the one and only God, the Eternal Rock Himself—apart from His blessings. He wants solid time alone with you and with me, consistently.

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Eph 5:15-16 (NASB)

source: TheStreamingFaith.com

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