Time To Conquer Your Procrastinating Ways?
Do you accomplish most of what you hope to each day? Or would you be thrilled to have one fully productive day each week – or at least once in your lifetime?
What we accomplish in any given day often depends on our circumstances. A CEO with mature, well-trained employees, for example, has more control over his or her schedule than a mother of mischievously energetic children. Considering your specific situation, are you pleased with the way you manage your time, or does procrastination consistently hinder you?
In previous columns, I’ve confessed my struggle with this chronic problem. I’m thankful for how much God has accomplished in me, but I still have a way to go. Truth be told, I put off writing this article about procrastination for several weeks. 😉 Maybe you can relate.
What if I told you that if we’ve put our trust in Christ, God has already placed a spirit of self-control (self-discipline) within us? Second Timothy 1:7 (ESV) says,
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” The NIV version of the Bible says God gives us “self-discipline.
What would happen if we believed this about ourselves and thought of ourselves as disciplined people? What if, the next time you’re tempted to give in to your old ways, you instead declared, “God has given me a spirit of self-control; therefore, I can behave like a disciplined person”?
If you’re not ready to do this just yet, perhaps a good first step would be to go to your heavenly Father and acknowledge your struggle with time management. Ask Him to give you a heart of repentance (true sorrow for not using your time wisely) and a desire to appreciate the opportunity each day holds. Then allow the Holy Spirit to give you the faith to believe that God truly has given you a disciplined spirit.
How would believing this change you?
- Would it make it easier to get up each day?
- Would it make you feel better about yourself when you go to bed each night?
Procrastination is a serious issue. Years ago, the panic I experienced when I feared that I’d never get control over it drove me to my knees. It wasn’t until I admitted my helplessness and asked God to change me that I began to experience victory. To this day, I continue to praise God for his powerful compassion.
I pray you’ll experience the same victory.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
- How does procrastination affect you and your day?
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I am so very thankful God knows our weaknesses and that Jesus was tempted in everything that we are also tempted. May we have open, tender ears to hear His voice, and a tender, open heart to be guided by Him each and every day. May we have “a desire to appreciate the opportunity each day holds”. Amen!
Hello, Becky! I’m so very thankful as well for His gracious mercy.
It’s nice to see you again on Today Can Be Different. I ALWAYS look forward to your comments.
Wow! I love this! “ God has given me a spirit of self-control!” I really needed to hear that! Thanks.
Right?! I needed to hear this too!
Thank you, Barbara, for stopping by Today Can Be Different. You have been one of my longest – and most faithful – encouragers since I began blogging.
I meant to add in my last comment:
I also appreciate how many times you share my devotion on your FB page! Thank you. THANK you.
Wow! Can I relate to this message. I marvel at my middle daughter who is so disciplined and well organized. It’s amazing to see what she accomplishes each day. If only I could…should be replaced with, through prayers I too can be productive.
Through this thought provoking message, Jesus is going to help me be more consistent in getting my life in order.
I do with my studies (I’m still teaching English as a foreign language part time) and correcting papers so I’m sure I can tackle productivity in other areas of my life.
Thank you for addressing this serious matter which I imagine affects many women.
Hello, Sandra. I believe men are also affected by procrastination – but probably (as you insinuated) more women are likely to procrastinate than men. This would be an interesting study, wouldn’t it?
I too marvel at those who are disciplined and well-organized. I envy them!
Let me know how you do with this, Sandra.
By the way, I’m impressed with your teaching English as a foreign language. Well done!
I praise God for your posts. They are so important for all to read and hear. Today’s post reminds all pf our own procrastinating selves. I for one am guilty of putting off chores till the last minute and have to listen to Gods voice; – Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Boy do I straighten up iv a hurry..
Wow! That verse would straighten me up in a hurry too, Gail. Especially the last section of Ecclesiastes 9:10!!
Thank you for the compliment — and WELCOME to Today Can Be Different, Gail! I hope you stop by often.
Second Timothy 1:7 (ESV) says, For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” The NIV version of the Bible says God gives us “self-discipline.