" But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:33
"I get it – we're busy. Don’t have time to read your Bible and pray for two hours every day. Don’t have time to memorize scripture and allow your brain to retain it. Don’t have time to sit down and talk to others about Christ. We're far too busy. We have school, soccer practice, youth group, Facebook, and many other things fighting for your time. Read a verse here and there during the week, and play catch-up and forgive-me-please on Sunday. Sound familiar?
I often find myself struggling for time to spend with God. I am so desperate for a break from life’s rigorous activity that I sometimes will tune out the pastor on Sunday morning and just read as much of the Bible as I can. I know God has so much to show me, but for some reason I simply cannot find the time to learn from Him.
During a particular Wednesday night worship service, the worship leader began to talk about resting in God’s presence. He instructed us to cry out to the Lord for more of Him instead of always asking for a revelation about my life, my situation, and my problems. Instead, He told us to just ask God to reveal Himself to us and just to rest in the Glory and presence of the Lord. This was a foreign concept to me. I had never just taken the time to be quiet and enjoy the presence of the Lord. Previously, I had thrived off quick short bed-time prayers that went along the lines of, “Dear God, Please give me a good night rest. Bless my family and protect them. Give me a good day tomorrow. Amen.” It had never occurred to me that maybe God’s love language was quality time and He wanted to engage in it with me.
After I began just enjoying Him and His presence, something happened within me. He began to reveal His goodness, love, and mercy to me. He also gave me a stronger hunger for the Word and a knowledge of His character. Luke 6:21 says those who hunger for the Lord are blessed and will be satisfied. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and everything we need will be given to us. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminded me that God never leaves me. This was new inspiration to seek after the Lord throughout my day, all the time, even when I didn’t have a solid hour to spend with Him. Instead of settling for the 30-second prayers before bed, I began to praise Him and just enjoy being with Him. I was refreshed and renewed because of this, just like the Word promised I would be.
If you are feeling empty and struggling to find time to read or pray, I challenge you to seek after the kingdom throughout your day by spending time with God – He never leaves you. Allow Him to reveal Himself and all His glory to you so that you may have a better understanding! You will be truly blessed and refreshed.
Take some time and simply enjoy Him today. Don't do it because you have to, but spend time with Him because you enjoy His presence and you want more of Him."
(Note: This is not my work. This is the Passion Pursuit. I am simply making it available to any reader as well.)
"I get it – we're busy. Don’t have time to read your Bible and pray for two hours every day. Don’t have time to memorize scripture and allow your brain to retain it. Don’t have time to sit down and talk to others about Christ. We're far too busy. We have school, soccer practice, youth group, Facebook, and many other things fighting for your time. Read a verse here and there during the week, and play catch-up and forgive-me-please on Sunday. Sound familiar?
I often find myself struggling for time to spend with God. I am so desperate for a break from life’s rigorous activity that I sometimes will tune out the pastor on Sunday morning and just read as much of the Bible as I can. I know God has so much to show me, but for some reason I simply cannot find the time to learn from Him.
During a particular Wednesday night worship service, the worship leader began to talk about resting in God’s presence. He instructed us to cry out to the Lord for more of Him instead of always asking for a revelation about my life, my situation, and my problems. Instead, He told us to just ask God to reveal Himself to us and just to rest in the Glory and presence of the Lord. This was a foreign concept to me. I had never just taken the time to be quiet and enjoy the presence of the Lord. Previously, I had thrived off quick short bed-time prayers that went along the lines of, “Dear God, Please give me a good night rest. Bless my family and protect them. Give me a good day tomorrow. Amen.” It had never occurred to me that maybe God’s love language was quality time and He wanted to engage in it with me.
After I began just enjoying Him and His presence, something happened within me. He began to reveal His goodness, love, and mercy to me. He also gave me a stronger hunger for the Word and a knowledge of His character. Luke 6:21 says those who hunger for the Lord are blessed and will be satisfied. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and everything we need will be given to us. Deuteronomy 31:6 reminded me that God never leaves me. This was new inspiration to seek after the Lord throughout my day, all the time, even when I didn’t have a solid hour to spend with Him. Instead of settling for the 30-second prayers before bed, I began to praise Him and just enjoy being with Him. I was refreshed and renewed because of this, just like the Word promised I would be.
If you are feeling empty and struggling to find time to read or pray, I challenge you to seek after the kingdom throughout your day by spending time with God – He never leaves you. Allow Him to reveal Himself and all His glory to you so that you may have a better understanding! You will be truly blessed and refreshed.
Take some time and simply enjoy Him today. Don't do it because you have to, but spend time with Him because you enjoy His presence and you want more of Him."
(Note: This is not my work. This is the Passion Pursuit. I am simply making it available to any reader as well.)
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