Missing My Father by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
I just spent a week at a national religious broadcasting convention. It is a week full of blessings. I see old friends. At corporate meetings we are inspired by messages from both political and religious leaders. We also have access to great interviews for our POP Talk media outreach. The days start early and end late. Going in, you know that you will be sleep deprived, but because of the intense schedule there is very little space for a morning quiet time with God.
When I returned to my morning ritual of putting God first, I realized that it is not as much about getting back into a routine as it is spending time with my heavenly Father. I had missed Him! At the convention I was surrounded by people who love God like I do but it was not the same as hearing from Him directly— praising Him at the start of the day, reading his Word, and lifting up all of those I care about. There is nothing more important than sharing a cup of coffee with God.
The question I am toiling with now is how can I put God first even in the busy times? I think it boils down to making Him a priority no matter what. Because I missed Him so much, at next year’s convention I plan to set my alarm a half-hour earlier (even if it means less sleep) so I can begin the important convention days with Him. I have to trust that He will rejuvenate me throughout the day if I make this small sacrifice. Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other Gods before me” (ESV). When we put our schedules ahead of God, that supersedes His rightful place in our lives.
How difficult is it for you to start your day with God? What do you have to do to put Him first?
Heavenly Father, the Bible says we are all sinners and fall short of your glory. Not putting you first is one way we can fall short. Help us to do what it takes to place you at the start of every day, at all times, no matter how busy we get. You are worthy of that position in our lives. Amen.