James 4:8,
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."
What's standing in between you and God? A job? A guy? Fleeting things? When is the last time you intentionally set aside time for God? Just as you like to feel special, God doesn't want to be an afterthought. It's insulting to talk to Him only when you're in trouble or need something.
Very seldom do we quit pursuing God cold-turkey. We just gradually push Him further and further to the back of the line. We let ourselves get too busy. Here's a tip: The enemy will ALWAYS see to there being something petitioning for your attention. This is why we must be INTENTIONAL about making time for God.
Recently, I've pulled away from a few things that I have allowed to serve as placeholders for God. Here's what I've learned in the process:
Save a seat for Him at the table. God won't come where He is not welcome.
You don't have to know exactly what to say when you take a seat. Start by reading His love letter to you (Bible). Then, try to articulate your heart to Him. It's just you and Him.
Tell your distractions, "goodbye". It's rude to make a date with God, but have His replacement on standby.
PLAN, and be accountable. Until it becomes natural, you may have to set aside a specific time for Him. (I.e., first thing in the morning, 15 minutes of your lunch break, right before bed). Have a friend to check on you from time to time to see if you're following through with your plan.
Enjoy Him. God is SO big and full of love, wisdom, and instruction. Soak Him in.
You don't have to beg for His attention, He's been waiting on your call.
Brianna R.
Lately, I had to realize that I was always in a hurry.
I was either running to this place or having to make sure I was on time for that meeting. It was like I was running out of day but continuing to increase in obligations. I had really begun to feel stretched. *Sigh*
Then, I noticed that while I was penciling in people and events, I was forgetting to pencil in what mattered most… alone time with God.
True, I would wake up in the morning and say a 15 second prayer and when I turned in for the night, I would always thank God as I drifted off. However, I was not allowing for God to have my full attention. I was not giving Him the time to respond to my heart’s plea. There was no connection, just a mere acknowledgement.
We never want to get so busy that God is simply on our ‘to-do’ list. He has to be a priority. I’ve learned that I cannot function without pulling up to the table and giving my undivided attention. How would I feel if I had gotten all excited to be finally seeing a loved one over lunch and the whole time that person was glued to their phone checking emails or scheduling dates and then right before we departed said ‘good seeing you, love you!’?
You don't’ want to lose out on the precious time God wants with you. You have to constantly make reservations and seek His face. So what if you have to wake up a few hours early or skip a favorite show. Sorry diversions, ‘check please!’
It’s time to schedule a table for two!
Peace, Moe