With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Seek advice before making a major decision.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Amen.
(from the hymn, Spirit of the Living God)
Word
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Prov. 11:14)
Meditation
When you’re under stress, your capacity for decision making is diminished. Physiologically, there is more adrenaline or cortisol, and less dopamine. So our brain is working from a position of deficit and stress, not from a position of clarity and strength.
Fear and anxiety are not good advisors. Don’t listen to them. It’s easy to get stuck inside your own head. That’s why God has given us other people. We’re not meant to do life alone.
Create a personal “board of advisors.” Consult godly people you trust. Think of the two or three people you would call in an emergency. Get them together for coffee or lunch, or a Zoom call. Share with them a decision you have to make, or an obstacle you’re facing. Ask them, “What do you think I should do?” Then ask them to pray with you and for you.
Benediction
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7)