In  Romans 13, Paul addresses the Christian's role in government in the first part of the chapter; then, in the second part of the chapter, he urges an awareness of our responsibilities to those around us. He cautions us to avoid getting caught up in the things of the world — particularly the things of the flesh. In the midst of that discussion he says:

But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! (Romans 13: 11-12 The Message)

Paul's words are convicting because being "so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all our day-by-day obligations" has become too often the rule of the day rather than the exception. His words are convicting because too often we have "lost track of the time and dozed off" and we are "oblivious to God." We need to "be up and awakened to what God is doing!"

So, in the midst of being "absorbed and exhausted in taking care of my day-by-day obligations," I am trying to take more time to ask, "Lord, what are You doing?" I am asking this question not in any disrespectful or indicting way. As I slow down, trying to regain my balance and perspective and taking in all that is going on, I am sincerely asking, "Lord, what are You doing?"

"Lord, what are You doing with these articles?"
You give me words. I put them down and they go out over the Internet. I am not always sure where they go and how they are received. The result is not so important for I know You are doing what You see fit to be done with them. Still, I sometimes ask, "Lord, what are You doing with these articles?"

"Lord, what are You doing in and with my family?"
We are busy. We are changing rapidly. We are connecting sometimes and sometimes we seem very disconnected. We are committed and may at times be over-committed. We are blessed and may not always be grateful enough for all our blessings. "Lord, what are You doing in and with my family?"

"Lord, what are You doing in our community?"
It is a good community. Energetic. Growing. It appears to be receptive to Your message. Our community is by all indications very healthy. "Lord, what are You doing in our community?"

"Lord, what are You doing with our church?"
We are growing. We are building. We are expanding. We are reaching some. We are preaching and teaching and evangelizing. We are carrying out the plans that we believe You want us to carry out. "Lord, what are You doing with our church?"

"Lord, what are You doing with our nation and the world?"
Storms are raging. Wars are being fought. Lives are being lost. Yet, today is beautiful, there is peace in much of the world, and new lives are being created every day. "Lord, what are You doing with our nation and the world?"

Will I let the Lord do what He wants to do with these things?
Once we pause to regain our focus on what God is doing perhaps we should also ask, "Lord, what do You want to do with these things?" That leads to another very crucial question I must ask myself, "Will I let the Lord do what He wants to do with these things?"

Father, I pray that I will not become so "absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all my day-by-day obligations" that I lose track of the time and doze off and become oblivious to You. Help me to realize that the night is about over, dawn is about to break. Help me be up and awake to what You are doing! Help me be receptive and submissive to what You are doing. Help me let You do what you want to do in my life.