How to Create Room for what God Wants to Do
Busyness is a constant state of doing that distracts us from what we really should be working on.
At least, that is how I view busyness, and perhaps you view it differently, but I want to share with you how the state of busyness can actually stop us from working on the things God is actually calling us to work on.
Often, when we plan out our daily schedules, we forget to lean on the One who instructs us on what we are to do. When we get frustrated because our plans (or businesses) fail, we question why we even bothered to try.
If you are sick of:
- Spinning your wheels
- Learning the latest trends
- Doing it all by yourself
- Throwing spaghetti at the walls and hoping it sticks
- Seeing everyone else succeed while you flounder
You should try:
- Letting go of what doesn't align
- Prioritize presence over performance
- Declutter your physical and mental space
- Invite God into everything you do
Let's look at this a bit closer so I can show you how to try these things and why they will help you grow in the areas you are stuck.
Letting go of what doesn't align
To create room for God to take up a bigger residence, the first thing you have to do is let go of what is no longer aligned with His vision for you. Maybe there's an old commitment that drains your energy, or a habit that is constantly distracting your focus. When you hold onto what no longer serves your growth, you crowd out what God wants to bring in.
Ask yourself:
- What activities or obligations leave me feeling empty or resentful?
- Is there something I keep doing out of guilt or fear of disappointing others?
- What would it it look like to release these so I can step into what God is asking of me?
Prioritize presence over performance
This is hard, and I know that firsthand. We often measure success by what we do and how much we accomplish. Additionally, we measure this level of success against that of others. This often makes us work harder and harder and ultimately leads to burnout and frustration. God's heart is for you to be present with Him, not just productive for Him. When you prioritize presence, you invite God to work in ways that go beyond your to-do list.
Prioritizing presence with God looks like:
- Setting aside 10 quiet minutes to pray, journal, or simply sit with God
- Saying "no" to a project so you can say "yes" to more time with your family
- Choosing to pause and worship in the middle of your day instead of pushing through exhaustion
Declutter your physical and mental space
Friend, we are a collector of things beyond being collectors of memories and moments. It's so easy these days to order something online and have it in your hands within an hour of ordering it, or within a few short days. Additionally, if I were to ask you how many free workshops you've downloaded, would you be embarrassed by how many are left untouched in your digital space? Our environment can reflect the state of our hearts. If your desk is piled high or your mind is always racing, it's hard to discern where God is leading you next.
Consider taking some time to:
- Declutter your workspace or home to create a calming atmosphere
- Unfollow social media accounts that trigger comparison or stress
- Limit media intake that clouds your mind with noise
- Create space physically and mentally for God's peace and guidance
Invite God into everything you do
Ultimately, creating room is an act of surrender. It's inviting God into every area of your life. By giving Him the space He needs to fill your life, you'll soon understand more what things you should and shouldn't keep holding onto.
Pray this simple prayer:
"Lord, I want to make room for You. Show me what to let go of, what to hold onto, and how to align my life with Your purpose."
Praying for clarity for you this week.
With Grace, Shonda Ramsey