Make God Your Priority

 

Author: Olga Victoria

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Spending time with God is precious and so important. I like Joyce Meyer’s comment regarding it, when she was saying that we need as much food for our soul as we need it for our body! There is so much truth in it. We can’t live on snacks to get all the nutrition we need and maintain good health the same way as we can’t live without having daily spiritual food, which is time you spend with God.

Unfortunately, things we do, things we own and the whole routine of life can be so distracting from what’s most important, and it can actually ruin us.  Life is not about accessories and possessions; it’s so much more than that. As one of my most favorite scriptures says

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.

Mathew 6:19-21

Not long ago I got caught into the routine and daily chores of my life. I quit having my quiet time with God and praying as much as I used to. There would be always an excuse for me to do something else instead… I was spending less and less time with Him, and I was getting busier and busier… what’s interesting is that none of the things I was doing brought me a permanent sense of happiness and peace. Otherwise, I felt stressed and overwhelmed from the load of chores I put on my shoulders.

I felt like something started missing in my life, and the whole idea of God and His presence in my life were fading away… my faith was getting colder. When I was trying to go back to my Bible readings, I noticed how quickly I was rushing through the pages.  I had no free time to just enjoy the moment and reflect on His word. I had no time…

I lost my peace. I was overscheduling myself, and piling more and more tasks… aaah, it gave me so much anxiety and stress. It’s hard to take care of SO many things at once. Literally, it would never end.

What was wrong with me?

I was just living my life and trying to get everything done to be a good wife, good Mom to my Goldens, good employee, student, daughter…etc. The list could go on and on. I noticed that at the end of the day, I didn’t feel satisfied, otherwise, I felt like I wasted my day, without accomplishing all that I planned to.

What I learned is that I got trapped, all the things I own and do pulled me away from peace and happiness that I find in God, and in Him only. I felt emotionally and physically drained, trying to get all the planned tasks done, and at the end of the day I had no energy to spend with Him.

So, one day I realized that I made a mistake…I wanted to feel again excited about my life, not drained from it, but to be excited and happy, and thankful.

How could I get that back?

I prayed that day, tears were rolling down my cheeks, and I felt so embarrassed and so ashamed for what I’ve done. I felt like I forgot about my best friend, the One who helped me so much in my life, the One who was and is leading me every single day, and Who shows me His love and endless mercy. I forgot all the great things He did for me, and instead, I got stuck in my routine….

As the scripture says “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13

So, I made God my priority. I made my decision to put Him first no matter what my schedule is… just keep Him in my heart and in my thoughts. I learned to set special time for Him, when I listen to my favorite teachers as Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, when I read my favorite daily devotionals from 31 Proverbs Ministries, and when I read my Bible. Just read it, and try to learn from God how He sees us and what kind of life He wants us to have.

I noticed how different I started feeling after shifting my priorities. I gained peace and happiness. I filled my heart with thankfulness for every moment of my Life and for rekindling my relationship with God.

If you lack peace and harmony in your life, ask God to help you with that. Just talk to Him, and ask Him to help you gain control of your Life and have Him as your priority. He loves us all unconditionally and equally. We are His creation, and He yearns to hear from us and help us.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

“Let every sunrise be full of hope and every sunset full of  peace for you.”

Unknown author

Olga