Happy Tuesday to you!
So you arrive home from a demanding day at work. Some of your co-workers probably believe that you’re headed to an oasis, free from all concerns. Yet, that belief couldn’t be any further from the truth. Once you open the door to your house, a more demanding shift begins. Your spouse wants to go over some urgent concerns. Your children have homework, after school events, and continual requests for an array of before and after dinner treats. Then, there is your need for a hot shower, something good to drink (tea for some, wine for others), and a cat nap. Most likely, you could include additional things to your list of domestic duties. I just have one more thing to add to your list of concerns. Actually, I have a question for you. Where is your focus?
I understand that you have deadlines to meet for work. I also understand that you don’t want your home life to suffer due to your outside responsibilities. I know that you want your spouse and children and pets to feel loved and acknowledged. I think it’s awesome that you make attempts to fit in time for yourself and your friends. Nevertheless, there’s something important that I think you often forget. This message is a simple reminder to help you refocus. “On what?” you ask. Well, it’s somewhat embarrassing to forget something this important. However, we all are guilty of this from time to time. So, let me cut to the chase.
You’re neglecting God.
You’re not praying often anymore. You keep your bible study to short chapters in the book of Psalms. Yes, you do go to church faithfully. However, outside of the sanctuary, God is an afterthought. Okay, let’s be honest. Some days, He doesn’t even cross your mind. Seriously, things have gotten that bad. You have a steady routine, and it doesn’t involve God. There is a void in your life that sometimes makes you weary. Today that ends! I have excellent news to share with you.
God is patient, long-suffering, compassionate, merciful, gracious, forgiving, and LOVING. He yearns for time with you. He delights in your worship and attends to your prayers and supplications. Long story short: God is ready and available right now to spend time with you.
It is time to refocus.
Before you rush off to work, spend quality time with God. Before you get caught up in a discussion about expenses with your spouse, meditate on a bible chapter that you haven’t read in a while. While your children are at soccer practice, write down a private gratitude list (only to be shared between you and God). Remember: A life without God is destructive and painful. It’s also lonely. You can have all the things that the world can offer. Without God, all the stuff means nothing. Your identity, your value, your security is in God. So it is time to reconnect with Him. There’s no better time than the present.