March 2, 2016

Put God First

Teach me your way, Lord,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

-- Psalm 86:11

We are all very busy people. We’ve got jobs and activities, people we love, houses to care for. We have a life. Where does God fit into that life?

Ah, there you have it. God fits into the extra moments -- if we have any extra moments. And that’s not the way it’s supposed to work. God is supposed to be first with our time, our money, our love. No wonder we are stressed and tired all the time!

What would happen if you reordered your priorities? What would your life look like? You might have a little less time for watching mindless television. You might have a little less money for gadgets you’ll grow tired of before the month ends. You might have more energy, more time for people who matter. And you might finally find the peace you crave in this stormy life.

I ran into a sweet friend the other day. She rarely comes to church anymore. Her husband isn’t a believer and Sunday is a day for sleeping late and doing nothing. She doesn’t want to make the effort to get up and head alone to church nor does she want to face the guilt of choosing to spend time away from him. I get it.

I wonder sometimes what would happen if she was on fire for Jesus. Would her husband see that passion and want to know what it was all about? If her attitude changed, if she viewed church attendance as more than just another chore, would he view Jesus a little differently? So often we use someone else as an excuse to make a choice that isn’t what God would want. We suffer for it, inside, where the Holy Spirit fills a believer’s heart. We are lesser because we made the wrong choice.

We also suffer when we don’t make time for prayer. I can’t even imagine not talking to God. I laugh that He probably wishes I would shut up sometimes. He is my best friend and I tell Him everything. Sometimes it is the small things, like a beautiful sunset or a cute little calf. Other times it is heartbreak or great joy. He hears it all because that’s what relationship is all about. And that’s what prayer is -- communication with God. It is fundamental to a strong relationship.

What are your priorities? Is God an afterthought in your life? Put God first and watch the rest of your life get easier as your attitude shifts to what is really important.