Staying Connected by Lisa Burkhardt Worley, D.Min.
When reading in Numbers 25 this week, I was frustrated with some of the Israelites who were immoral with foreign women and bowed down to other gods. How could they do this? Didn’t they remember the miracles they had experienced, like God’s provision of manna for food each day, and water from a rock when they were thirsty? What about the presence of God that traveled with them as a pillar of cloud during the day and fire at night? How could they turn their backs on the LORD in this way?
But then I realized we are all capable of falling away from God. All it takes is a busy schedule, one crisis, or a change in priorities. For example, over a week ago, I was at a large religious broadcasting convention. There were late nights and early mornings most days. I tried to have a quiet time, but it was hurried and disconnected. I longed for the time with Heavenly Father, but how and when?
I don’t have all the answers, but it is important to be intentional about remaining connected with God. If you have an early appointment or flight, make sure you get into the Word and prayer on the plane, or at night. There is a distinct difference in the days when I spend 1.5 hours in Worship, Bible study, and prayer in the morning versus the days when I am racing out the door. I feel far away from God and more stressed than usual because I have not asked Him to cover upcoming activities. String together a few twenty-four-hour stretches like that, and it is easy to wander down a path that the LORD does not intend for our lives.
The Bible says to “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Almost every day I pray, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
We’re all human, so we can forget the grace and mercy of God in our lives. The enemy of our souls will distract us with good things, but if those good things distance us from our Maker, then they become deterrents. So today, get quiet before your loving Heavenly Father and ask Him, “Have I let activities take your place in my life?” If the answer is yes, find ways to remain connected.
#
Do you live in our near the Austin area? Do you need a day of spiritual refreshing? Then you will want to join us for our Level-Up Austin event on April 25th from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Wells Branch Community Church. Register today at: https://levelupconferenceaustin.eventbrite.com.