Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field; and after that build your house. – Proverbs 24:27

Have you ever had so much to do you didn’t know where to start, so you did nothing or mindlessly sat in front of the television or scrolled through social media? In today’s busy culture, feeling overwhelmed, or even defeated, is a temptation to watch out for. God is the God of peace and order. If you find yourself in a frazzled place, turn to Him. When you sit at His feet, know you are getting the most important thing done. Ask Him how to order your day and your many responsibilities.

Today’s verse offers wise instruction about the order of tasks: prepare your work outside, first. In Bible times, it was necessary to work and cultivate the land to produce crops. Then, once the income was sufficient to support construction, the landowner could afford to build a home. One might say, in today’s world, “One step at a time.” Instead of jumping into a dream house or expensive car, live within your income. Each plan or dream requires a support system and the means to sustain it. Those first steps may take time and might even feel insignificant. Allow the Lord to work in the step-by-step process to accomplish the good plans He has put on your heart.

You can accomplish more by connecting your heart with God’s in prayer for one hour than you could accomplish in months or even years without His help. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Take the time to bring all of your worries, cares, dreams, and responsibilities to the Lord. This nation needs faithful intercessors. Pray for God’s will to be done, the lost to be saved, and the saved to be obedient and faithful to the Lord.