Distractions and Reactions: A Lesson Learned on Seeking God First!

A devotional by Alexis A. Goring

I become distracted by the worries of this life here on Earth when I don’t spend time delving deep into God’s Word and letting His Truth sink deep into my soul. Devotional time (or “Quiet time”) with God is of utmost importance to surviving life on this sin- filled planet. When we don’t spend time with God every day then we face life unprepared and are more open to the enemy’s attacks. And how does the enemy attack?

He attacks your mind, your marriage, your children, your friends, your finances, your work, and so much more! The enemy will attack anything and everything that matters to you. That is why it is important to go into each day battle-ready by starting your first moments with God! As soon as He wakes you up, sing a song of praise to God. Thank Him for seeing fit to give you another day in the Land of the Living! Pastor Bianca Olthoff says in the trailer for her Bible study on The Book of Ruth, “If you are not dead, then God is not done!”

That means that if God gave you another day of life then He still has work for you to do for Him. His plans for your life are good (Jeremiah 29:11). But you are not going to know those plans if you don’t spend time getting to know the Giver of Life (God).

I would like to encourage you to set aside at least ten minutes every morning to seek God.

Maybe your first conversation with Him every morning can sound something like this: “Good Morning, God. Thank You for blessing me with another day to live this life for You. Please lead me, guide me, protect me and help me to serve You wholeheartedly today. Show me what I can do to advance Your Kingdom, then help me to do it. May my life today be a testimony to Your goodness, grace and mercy for humankind. Thank You for always being there for me. You are a Good Father.

The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6). Help me to have an active, deeply rooted faith that pleases You. Help me to lead a life that leads others to Your Son Jesus Christ. I love you, Lord. I choose you today and every day. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.”

After you have prayed to God, open His Word (The Holy Bible). But before you start reading, ask His Holy Spirit to open your mind to receive and understand His truth. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14 NKJV) You cannot read the Bible with a carnal mindset and your “natural” eyes and expect to fully understand the text.

Read The Holy Bible and make an effort to understand everything in context. Don’t cherry-pick verses and call it a day. Take time to read the full chapter, not just a few verses. Go to a Bible resource online like BibleGateway.com and utilize their resources to delve deeper into Scripture. Ask God questions if you need to. He is always listening and ready to help you.

Finally, close your time with God each morning in prayer. Before you pray, play a faith-based song. After you’ve filled your mind with truth from God, you are ready to seize the day! Pastor Paul Graham always says that “Mornings are better when you talk to God first.” And I have found that to be true!

 

Thanks so much, Alexis. I completely agree with  you.  Spending time with God and His Word are crucial if you are to have the peace and joy He promises.

Part 2 will be tomorrow.