Everything But God
It's spring break and time for a week long recess. A trip to the beach is just what we need. So we begin packing: Cool sunglasses, check. Suntan lotion, check. Flip-flops, check. Beach towel, check. We’ve got everything that’s appropriate for fun in the sun or do we?
In the good times in our lives we often run out the front door, so excited for the party, that we pack everything but God. We often leave Him (or at least His Word) on our nightstands closed up in genuine leather with gilded gold pages. In the good times we take God for granted and say, "He'll be here when I get back." While in the bad times, His name is the first one we call for help.
There's nothing wrong with hanging out with our friends, building sand castles and taking surfing lessons. All of these spring break activities are awesome as long as we remember to welcome the Lord to come along with us in the good times as well as the bad.
One of my favorite passages is found in Revelation 3:20. I like this verse because it reminds me that God wants to participate in all we do. It says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (NIV).
God is knocking at your door and mine. He wants to take part in every moment of our lives, both the good times and bad. He wants to share in all that we experience. He's not only God for church on Sunday, but He is our magnificent Lord for every day. He is a real friend who seeks to sit and fellowship with us. Anytime you pray, He is listening. “Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him” (Psalm 4:3).
To be a disciple of Christ means that we are disciplined to honor the Lord at all times. We can make loving the Lord the central part of our day every day by practicing Psalm 119:10-11. “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Rather than everything but God---Let's choose everything with God this spring and each new season in our lives.
“With God we will gain the victory” (Psalm 60:12).
"With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
~ Jackie O.