Striving for Simplicity: Putting God first

Most of us have good intentions about putting God first, yet it doesn’t always work out.  In our hearts and minds, He is first.  But not always in our actions.  Even those who are the most verbal about it have days where they end up blowing a kiss and winking a promise to God.  “I’ll get to my reading and praying later on!” they say, “I’m sure you understand my busyness Lord!”   We are all guilty.  I strive to make my prayer and reading time happen.  Just as you do, I’m sure. 

Make it happen

I don’t know if this happens to you but when I start to get a good routine going, things go awry.  I’ll get physically sick.  Somebody will miss the bus.  Or oversleep.  You name it, something happens to come against my time with God.  And yet, He waits patiently for me to come back and spend those moments with him.   We should not feel guilty if our time with him is postponed.  However, we should not let it slip away.  Purposely say to yourself and those around you, I need some time.  And make it happen.

Two things

Making this a priority in your life requires two things.  First, desire.  You have to want to spend that time with God.  Be hungry for his word, and have a longing to pray.   The second is prioritizing.  Not just your time with him, but the rest of the things in your life so you can have that time with Him. 

Reading his word and praying even a little bit every day will do wonders.  There are no time limits to read or pray, except the limit you place on yourself.   Just do it.   Somehow, we’ve gotten okay with only praying while driving, or doing the dishes.  It’s certainly good to pray during those times, but it should not be a replacement for your focused time with God.  The other thing that has become normal is just reading a devotional. One scripture and someone else’s take on it. While devotionals are great, they shouldn’t take the place of your Bible. Read them in addition too.

I’m not trying to make this hard or legalistic.  I think God wants to tell us something personal. Through His word. Think of it as a marriage where the only time you talk to your husband is while you are running around in the car from place to place.  And all you know about Him is what someone else has said. In our busyness, we’ve become accustomed to multi-tasking.   This is one moment in the day when we should not. 

Give it God

So how is this related to Striving for Simplicity?  Putting God first in our lives is what will help us through the day ahead.  Having his word written on our hearts will keep us from many troubles.  It is good for our spiritual, mental, and physical health.  To slow down, concentrate, and talk to the one who made us. Personally, I have found that my days do not go as well if I neglect that time with Him.  

Putting the day ahead at His feet and letting Him lead you gives peace and calmness.   Read his word.  Pray for your family and friends. Pray for your country and church.   Make a prayer list.   Click here for a generic prayer list that I have used.     

We often think we can do it all.  And we sure try!  If you are feeling overwhelmed with everything, ask Him to show you what areas in your life need to be changed.  Then set about changing it.   

Matthew 6:33 NKJV But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.