Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

Read

Reflect

As we begin a new year together, it seems fitting to consider this passage with all  its “times.” In the next 12 months, I expect I will experience most of the “times” listed here.

What grabs my attention now, though, is that little statement in verse 10, “I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with.”  So often we are overwhelmed by the “busy-ness” that we think is God’s work, but he has given us “business.”  That is not the same thing.  Can I say, like Solomon, that I have actually seen the business God has given me? Have I even looked for it?

In this new year, especially at this time of the year, it is so easy to be overwhelmed by the busy-ness of life.  I use an actual paper calendar, and it can be daunting to see everything listed on it that I think I must do.  This year, maybe I can choose to be about God’s business first.

Pray

Heavenly Father, open my eyes and my schedule that I may start this year focused on your business, not mine.

Go with God.