Life Planning vs. Managing Life – PLPC Devotional Series (3)

Life planning and managing life (i.e., balancing work, life, and rest) … To me, these terms sounded more like corporate slogans than biblical commands from the Lord. They did not sound spiritually-related. Boy, was I wrong.

Our God is a planner. From Genesis 1, I can see the orderly fashion in which He created the world. Then the Lord rested on the seventh day — even God took time to rest and enjoy His creation. This is an example of working and resting in perfect balance. Also, throughout many psalms and books from the prophets, God invites us on numerous occasions to come back to Him to rest and to gain strength. Thus, it makes sense for us to take a period of time to rest — not only to cease from work, but also to focus on God.

In the New Testament, when Jesus challenges us to calculate our cost of following Him
(Luke 14:25-33), He is talking about life planning. He also teaches us how to balance aspects of our life as He invites us to take up His yoke and find true rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).

On a practical level, how do I reconcile both? Planning seems to be action-oriented while balance seems to be rest-oriented.

While I don’t know the answer, I do know I have the Holy Spirit. As a parent, when I tell my children to do something, I expect them to do it right away. As they get older, the whining and complaints tend to increase. Nonetheless, it brings me joy when they hear me and obey me. I believe our relationship with God works in a similar way. I hear promptings in my heart to do (or not do) and to say (or not say) certain things throughout the day. Many times, I ignore His voice and move on. I now realize my disobedience may hurt Father God’s heart. Of course He still loves me. But if I listen and obey cheerfully, I know it pleases Him all the more.

Perhaps obeying the Holy Spirit’s voice on a daily basis is the answer to life planning and life balance. At the end of the day, we can plan our own lives or allow God to be the Master Planner of our lives. For me, I need to continue to learn to give all consequences to God and rest assured that He loves me far beyond I can ever imagine.

Reflections:

1. How well are you managing your work/study life at this moment? Are you working/studying too many hours?

2. How well are you managing your rest? Are you lacking sleep?

3. How well are you managing your spiritual life? Do you spend meaningful time with God？

Prayers:

1. God says in Psalm 46:10a, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Pray that you will be diligent in having quiet time, so that you may know God as God.

2. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Pray that in the busyness of life and in the midst of many stresses, you will experience the rest promised by Jesus.

3. Pray that God will give you wisdom to plan and manage your life according to His will.

Written by: Felicia Fan/Presence Editors

Presence Hong Kong Limited is a non-profit organization that has supported Christian and family values since 2012. We aim to raise up a new generation for the cultural mission — equip individuals and families to bridge the cultural and generational gaps and to live a unique life with wisdom. 

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