“ARE YOU OVERWORKED AND ‘UNDERPRAYED’?”

This question placed on a sign in front of a church building really caught my attention.  There are some observations I wish to make about this relevant question.  First of all, scores of individuals are so busy in their secular pursuits that they are spiritually drained.  Honest toil is required and is needful; but some people have become workaholics.  Others have need of more money and thus they pursue multiple careers.  They are never at home with their families.  They never have time to meet with brethren in the various assemblies of worship.

Then, there are Christians who are always on the go.  They move about in their daily activities helping others and they participate in all the programs of the local congregation.  They equate Christianity with motion.  Such endeavors are essential ingredients if we are to meet the needs of others; however, an individual can be involved in various activities and at the same time be deficient in real spiritual strength.  The problem is a common one.  A person can be overworked and ‘underprayed’.

There should be times when a child of God can stop all his/her busy activities and meditate on the grace, love and mercy of God.  Some people call it ‘quiet time.’  We all need moments of meditation and prayer.  The Heavenly Father has said, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10).  Also, He tells us to “commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still” (Psalms 4:4).  In our relationship with God, we should allow Him to lead us “beside the still waters” (Psalms 23:3).  Prayer will keep us near to God.  Communication with the Lord will calm a troubled soul.  There is power in prayer.  An automobile will eventually run out of gas if it is not filled up from time to time.  The life that is void of prayer and meditation will become empty and meaningless.

“Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word.  Make friends of God’s children; Help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing, His blessings to seek.  Take time to be holy, The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. Abiding in Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.  Take time to be holy, Be calm in thy soul; Each thought and each motive, Beneath His control. Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love, Thou soon shall be fitted for service above.”