Lord, I Need You

This morning, I woke up ready to tackle my to-do list. It was long! And to be honest, it has been full for several days. I’m not sure why, but September always seems to be a busy season for me. 

I am the type of personality that loves making lists. I have a list for everything. Sometimes, the list is just in my head and other times I actually write things down. I like to be able to check it off when I’m done. It is so satisfying. However, the more items on my list, the more pressure I feel. 

I had just completed all my morning chores, poured my steaming cup of coffee, ate my breakfast and was preparing to get started with my many plans for the day. 

While washing the breakfast dishes the Lord interrupted my busy, stress-filled thoughts. 

I never truly intend to flippantly offer up a quick prayer, telling the Lord all my plans for the day and asking him to bless it. But sometimes that is exactly what I find myself doing. “This day is going to be very full, Lord!” 

Suddenly…I saw my busy thoughts playing out in front of me. I saw the stress I was carrying, and also saw Jesus standing beside me waiting to help. He prompted my spirit to redirect my focus of the day. To stop and pause; to reflect on what the Lord wanted to accomplish in me (and through me) for today. Instead, I had been consumed with what I needed to get done and allowed it to distract me from the much better plan for my day. God’s plan. 

In that moment, as I tried to consider what I was seeing in the spirit, there were many other thoughts battling for precedence in my mind – tasks I wanted to rush off and complete. Yet, I stopped. I stopped doing dishes. I dried my wet hands with the dish rag, leaned back against the kitchen counter, took a slow sip of coffee and said a different prayer. 

It went kind of like this: 

“Lord, I have a million plans for the day… many things on my list to accomplish… but none of it really matters. None of it. What are your plans for me? The only thing that matters is you. I want you to direct my day. Guide each step, Lord. Help me to see the miracles in the madness, the blessing in the interruptions and make time to see everything through your eyes. I need you. Lord, I need you!” 

I can’t fully express the calming peace that came over me. It was like wading into a cool pool of water on a hot summer day. Or laying down fifty pounds of baggage I had been carrying around unnecessarily. All of a sudden, my vision was clear. I only had one thing to do today. Focus on Jesus! 

My eyes filled with tears at the sweetness of the moment, and at the tangible feeling of love coming from the Father in heaven. Joy filled my heart. I was assured that He cared about every plan I had. He created me to be productive, care for those around me and have purpose in the life He has given me. However, I cannot do it without Him. I cannot do it in my own strength. 

How many times have I tried? Many. 

The Lord was so gracious to stand next to me this morning at my kitchen sink as I did my dishes. He whispered in my ear that He had plans for me today, too. I love that! His plans are always better than mine.

One day, many years ago, a woman named Martha busied herself with the house chores. She had so much to do as her guests had arrived and she was hosting the gathering. Her sister Mary was with her too, yet Mary sat eagerly at the feet of Jesus – soaking in every word that He was saying. Mary couldn’t pull herself away from Jesus and was more interested in spending time with Him than helping with the dinner and housework. This upset Martha. In frustration she took her complaint straight to Jesus. 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Martha was distracted and stressed. The responsibilities she had on her list took precedence over what was really important that day.  

We all have a life to live, a to-do list to tackle, people depending on us, and a lengthy list of responsibilities. The beautiful truth (that I was freshly reminded of today) is that Jesus wants to be involved in all of it. If we will prioritize Him first and make time to spend in His presence, He does the supernatural miracle, allowing the rest of our responsibilities to be accomplished as well! 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Lord I come, I confess

Bowing here, I find my rest

Without You, I fall apart

You’re the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more

Where grace is found is where You are

And where You are, Lord, I am free

Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You

When temptation comes my way

And when I cannot stand, I’ll fall on You

Jesus, You’re my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour, I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

You’re my one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh God, how I need You

(Songwriters: Matt Maher / Daniel Carson / Jesse Reeves / Kristian Paul Stanfill / Christy L. Nockels)

It makes a difference, friends (a huge, life-changing difference) to take time with the Lord each day.

Not only did I get everything done on my to-do list that I was stressing about this morning, but I spent time with the Lord – soaking and steeping in His love. I finished six loads of laundry (that was not on my list) and even had time to write this blog! Wow! When we give the Lord our time, our schedule and our agenda for the day, He can multiply it in ways we never could. 

My stress was replaced with the most beautiful peace. 

Lord, I need you! Every hour I need you! My one defense, my righteousness. Oh God how I need you! 

Praying you will all hear the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit and give Him your plans for today as well! 

Be blessed, friends! 

~ Stephanie