Priorities

Is your schedule full but your soul running on empty? The psalmist shows what happens when God’s priorities—not just your to-do list—shape your day.

“My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law … My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words” (Psalm 119:136, 139).

While creating a “to-do” list has helped many people stay focused and efficient, enabling them to accomplish more and waste less time, many researchers and management experts have come to recognize that these lists actually can be a distraction. Some people are so busy trying to cross items off their list that they fail to consider the bigger picture.

In his book about going from good to great, Jim Collins stresses that “‘Stop doing’ lists are more important than ‘to do’ lists.” Collins says we should spend time thinking about our priorities, realizing that some things on our “to do” list may be keeping us from accomplishing objectives of far greater importance.

Reinforcing this same point, management consultant and author Jack Canfield concludes that “there are only two words that will always lead you to success. Those words are yes and no … Start practicing saying no. Your goals depend on it!”

The psalmist knew he had the right priorities, for his life was consumed with zeal for the things of God. Jesus had this same priority (John 2:17). To Him, nothing was more important than serving His Heavenly Father.

Many Christians have schedules packed with projects. They are very busy all the time. But how many have asked God to evaluate their schedules? Their lists? How many have given Him permission to remove anything that is not important to Him?

Reflection Question: Give God permission to review your schedule and give you His priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Psalm 119 structured so unusually?

It is the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses) and an acrostic: its 22 sections each begin with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Nearly every verse praises God’s Word using synonyms like law, statutes, precepts, and commands.

What did it mean that zeal for God’s house “consumed” Jesus (John 2:17)?

When Jesus cleansed the temple, the disciples recalled Psalm 69:9. “Consume” pictures an inner fire—a passion for God’s honor that outweighed concern for comfort or reputation, the same wholehearted zeal the psalmist expresses.