Saying "No" to Say "Yes"

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

A nationally known preacher once shared a powerful story about how busyness nearly overtook his life. He was a man in high demand, constantly receiving invitations to speak, preach, and lead events. He didn’t want to disappoint people, so he said “yes” to nearly every opportunity that came his way.

One day, he visited his doctor, who asked to see his schedule. Together, they counted 40 extra commitments on top of his regular responsibilities—all in just one month. The preacher was shocked. He realized he had been pushing himself to the brink, saying “yes” to strangers and “no” to his family.

Psalm 90:12, in the Living Bible, says, “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should." This verse reminds us that life is short and our time is limited, so we need God’s wisdom to prioritize what truly matters. The preacher’s story illustrates how easy it is to fill our schedules with good things while neglecting the best things.

Saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s wise. It allows us to say “yes” to God’s priorities: our relationship with Him, our families, and the purpose He has for our lives. The preacher realized he needed to stop overcommitting and start aligning his time with what God had called him to do.

What about you? Are you saying “yes” to everything while unintentionally saying “no” to the people who matter most?

Reflection Question: What commitments in your life are keeping you from prioritizing your family and your relationship with God?

Father, help me to see the brevity of life and to use my time wisely. Teach me to say “no” to distractions so I can say “yes” to Your priorities. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Adapted from: "Balancing Work and Family" - https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/jkhvmcg/5-balancing-work-and-family