Daily Focus - One Step Back

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

Have you ever started your day sensing something was wrong with your homeschooling? As I crawled out from under the covers, I knew we needed to set the academics aside and let the day just happen. Our family relationships had been growing distant, the stress level had been building, and our homeschooling was feeling more like a chore than a blessing. Our family needed to experience the joy of being together again. Phonics rules, spelling words, and algebraic equations could wait. Today, I simply wanted to enjoy my precious children and play.

Our relationship with God can also get misconstrued as we grow in Christ. We forget that God is more concerned about being with us than our concern of doing things for Him. We hurry from one worthwhile ministry to the next and fill our lives with noble schedules for winning the lost or discipling new believers. However, even as Mary chose to worship and sit at the Master's feet, we also must step back and rediscover the simple joy of being with Jesus. No schedules, no events, no projects — just quietly loving our Lord and relishing His presence.

Can you remember the last time you relaxed and enjoyed the day for what it was — a chance to breathe, live, and take in the goodness of God's creation and love? Today's the day to take one step back, turn off the noise, and listen to the silence. Drink in the beauty of your Creator and rejoice as God speaks to your heart! "In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:11b).

Lord, I love You so much. I bow before You in worship and praise You for Your loving goodness. Hallelujah, I give You this day and rejoice in Your presence! In Jesus' name, Amen.