Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. 32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. 35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those [who were] with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

– Mark 1:29-38 (NKJV)

I have a planner that I look at each day. In my planner I have written some goals. Things that I think I need to pursue in my life right now. I begin part of my day by looking at my planner and reminding myself of my goals. As small as this step is, it is really helpful in keeping my focus where it needs to be. For example when I remind myself that one of my goals is to eat healthy and lose a certain amount of weight by a certain day, it helps me to discipline myself and stay away from sweets. By focusing early in my day on my goal, it effects my direction for the rest of the day.

Way more important than any goal we’d set for ourselves is to seek and understand God’s will for our lives. We do this through prayer! We can pray about the people and situations that are in our lives and seek God’s purpose and will. The more people we see, places we go, and things we have to do, the more important it is that we seek God’s will in those areas.

Jesus was very busy at this point in his ministry, but he knew that busyness doesn’t always mean success. Just like all growth in a plant doesn’t lead to fruitfulness, sometimes it takes away from fruitfulness and so some plants need to be pruned. Jesus sought God the Father early in the morning, on a busy day so that he’d know where to go and what to do next. He wasn’t caught up in the tyranny of the urgent, he was passionate about pursuing the father’s will.

Father, We love you and want to grow in knowledge of you and your word. As our schedules get filled with more and more activities, it’s important that we submit our busy lives to your will. We ask for your direction and purpose today. We want to follow you. Please guide us in your will and direction for us. In Jesus Name, Amen.