You do not see a branch on a tree that has been broken off part way producing fruit. Broken branches do not get the nourishment that they need to even keep the leaves green. Only branches that are attached fully can bear fruit.
So why do we think that we can wake up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee and just go about our day without even once checking in with the LORD? We struggle to be productive throughout our day and end up feeling like we need more time in the day. Our energy is drained.
That is because we are functioning as a broken branch and not getting nourished.
Jesus said in John 15:5;
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
If we can do nothing without Him, don’t you think if we start the day by asking Him to help us throughout the day makes sense? Let’s take a look at Psalm 90:12;
So teach us to number our days
that we may get a heart of wisdom.
The word for number is the Hebrew word mânâh, maw-naw’; it means to weigh out, appoint, count, number, prepare, set, and tell.
When I think of numbering my days, I think of how many days I have lived, 356 x __ years. How have I spent that time? Did I show love to everyone? What could I have done better? This gets me focused on the past and not the present. I might get some wisdom out of it but that doesn’t really help me to be fruitful.
What if we take the word number and replace it with prepare or appoint? Now the verse reads, So teach us to prepare our days; or So teach us to appoint our days. It makes more sense that if we prepare our days and what needs to be done we will be able to be more fruitful in getting things done.
I will be the first to admit that if I don’t start my day with time alone with Him then I am easily distracted especially with Facebook and Twitter. However, when I do start my days with Him and stay focused on Him by listening to worship music during the day, my day is a lot more productive.
It doesn’t have to be a whole chapter of the Bible to start your day off. There are times that I get more out of one verse by digging deep into the Hebrew and the Greek meanings of the text. Check out Blue Letter Bible where you can find all types of study tools and devotionals to help you stay connected to the True Vine.
When we are connected to the True Vine we can find the strength to have a productive day.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phillipains 4:13
Bonnie Sue Writes 