Companionship First

Julie Clinton

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Contrary to what you may believe, God is not necessarily sitting at a desk in heaven calculating how much you get done in a day. He desires your companionship even more than your accomplishments.

But we can easily fall into a performance trap, believing the more we do, the more we matter. The number of things we get done in a day becomes the measuring stick of self-worth. When we don’t get our list accomplished, we feel like failures, become irritable, feel unworthy, and eventually grow more irritated. Like cancer, our attitudes can begin to seep into our relationships with those we love.

As you come to recognize that there’s more to life than just your to-do lists, you begin paying careful attention to the needs of those around you—to be understood, affirmed, validated, and appreciated. With the world screaming for you to do more, God gently whispers, “Be still and know that I am God.” He longs to be in a relationship with you, and He rejoices to see you in relationship with others—sharing His love and grace.

Don’t get so caught up with the tasks at hand that you miss the opportunity to disciple or minister to somebody who needs your help. Remember, companionship should come before accomplishment.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, help me to put my relationship with You and others at the top of my list, even when the world demands I accomplish more in a day. Soften my heart to listen and be attentive to those I love. Amen.