For many of us, summertime is wrapping up (except for the crazy heat and 99% humidity we’ve experienced in Nashville this week), and we’re longing for a sense of normalcy and routine. As much as I hate to admit it, I function so much better with structure and routine in my life. I would love to be the woman who can totally fly by the seat of my pants all the time, but I just can’t.
For me, routine is part of a crucial spiritual discipline in my life. It means that I have to be prepared and ready for the things I need to do. It truly has to become a normal rhythm in my life. I heard Anne Graham Lotz speak this summer and she shared that everything she needs for her quiet time with the Lord stays in the same place so that there are no excuses for not being prepared.
“All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord evaluates the motives. Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved.” (Prov. 16:2-3, HCSB)
At the end of the day, God knows our heart and motives for whatever we’re doing. Sometimes, we are trying so hard to make everything work in our own strength that we forget to give God the opportunity to be a part of not only our routine, but the motive and planning behind all of it. Our busyness often keeps us from being in a right relationship with God.
When we truly do commit our ways to the Lord, we’re being obedient to Him, and that’s how we’re able to do whatever it is He’s asking of us. We’re no longer working and striving in our own strength to make it happen, but we’re motivated because of a holy motivation. Our desires and intents are His because they were His to start with.
Committing our plan, routine, and very lives to the Lord means that we’re laying down our plans for the sake of His. We’re making the name of Jesus famous, and our plans are no longer our own.
Routine looks different for each of us, but it’s so important that you find a rhythm that works for you. Quit looking at what everyone else is doing and comparing your rhythm to theirs. As one of my friends reminds me all the time, “Run your own race.” Don’t look to the left or right – look straight ahead, fixing your eyes on Jesus. Let Him set the pace for your routine, and the rest of the pieces will begin to fall in place.
What does the rhythm of routine look like in your life? What ideas can you share with other women on ways to establish routine?
When Mary Margaret Collingsworth isn’t coordinating leadership events for women or hosting the {MARKED} podcast, you can find her watching Florida Gator football, cooking with friends, or reading a good book. She loves teaching God’s Word, Mexican food, a good pair of jeans, and calling Nashville home. Follow her on Twitter: @marymargaretc.
