Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV)
It’s hard to believe that the first week of 2016 is already behind us. As I’ve witnessed the conclusion of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, I find myself reminiscing about things past. An important part of which is regarding my spiritual life.
Everyone deals with differing issues, some more challenging than others. Sometimes life seems to move forward without much trouble, but at other times it seems as though there are problems to deal with at every turn. Especially during the most trying times it can be difficult to follow God’s instruction in today’s Scripture.
As I have been reflecting on times when I feel strong and able to tackle the world (so to speak), I’ve noticed something interesting. When I make it a priority to spend time every day with God through prayer and reading His Word, I am stronger than on days when I don’t spend time with Him.
When I’ve taken that time with God, no matter what comes into my day, I am more inclined to be calm and less stressed. In general, I am likely to make better decisions.
For me, reading Scripture and filling my mind with words of life, faith and hope is key to my ability to stand firm no matter what trials come my way. When I read Scripture and think about it throughout my day, it alters my outlook as I face my day’s events. It reminds me of God’s amazing love for me, which makes me stronger, more positive and more patient with myself and others.
On the other hand, when I get caught up in life’s activities and neglect my time in prayer and God’s Word, I am more easily upset by anything that doesn’t go as planned.
Can you relate? Do you see a difference in yourself when you’ve spent time with the Lord versus when you haven’t?
I encourage you to make a commitment to the Lord, and yourself in 2016 to develop your daily “quiet time” with Him. If you already have a plan for your spiritual nourishment through a Daily Devotional or other Bible Study guide, I encourage you to remain steadfast in it. As Matthew 4:4 (NIV) says, “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
The reality is that everyone has different schedules and demands on their time. Some people are able to spend an hour or more each day in prayer and Scripture reading, while others are only able to spend a few minutes. Some people’s schedules allow them to spend that time in the early morning hours, while others aren’t able to do it until later in the day.
Whatever your schedule, I encourage you to be committed to taking some time throughout the day to spend with the Lord. You will be blessed as you talk to Him in prayer, listen for Him to respond (Jer. 33:3), and meditate on what He says through His written Word.
My prayer is, “Father God, Please help me to step away from the demands of my day to spend time with You. I want my thoughts and actions to be transformed to reflect You and Your love. I trust Your Word in James 4:8 which says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you (James 4:8). Thank You for always being with me. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
