Keeping the Lord our number one priority during these challenging times can sometimes feel impossible. We begin relying on our own survival methods to get us through tough times, and sometimes our weaknesses become even more prevalent and visible as our vulnerabilities show through.
It’s important to place God as our number one priority always, but especially during challenging times. I know that often in chaotic times, God’s presence is hard to come by. Even now for me as I’m writing this, I feel distant from God. I know that it’s me and not Him however.
I was listening to the radio while out and driving today, and heard on KLOVE a message that reminded me that I need to try my hardest to keep God first, and surround myself with things that draw me closer to Him instead of further away.
I notice in these “survival” circumstances where peace is hard to come by, and the world is heavy on your heart, serenity and time with God needs to be cultivated even more so than usual.
Here are some ways that I find rest with the Lord, while also shutting the world’s harsh and critical voices out.
1. Spend time with God first thing in the morning. Complete a devotional and spend some time praying, expressing your love and gratefulness to Him. Ask for what you need. Matthew 7:7-11- “Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to knock and the door will open for you.”
2. Refine your social media pages to remind you of God’s love. During critical and tough times, it may be best to stay away from social media altogether.
3. Spend time with people who also share in God’s love; allow positivity and light to shine in your interactions. Encourage and pray for one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage and build each other up.
4. This is a big one, TV can infiltrate our minds so easily with things that aren’t of God and often fill us more with fear than edifying thoughts. Stay away from shows and movies that don’t allow us to think on positive and true things. Shows such as positive comedy and faith-based shows.
Phillippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
5. Set yourself up for success daily- have a routine to put yourself in a good frame of mind for the day. For example, time with God in the morning, time with god in the afternoon, and time with god in the evening. Set this time aside to spend time with Him and ask for peace.
6. Lastly, clear away all things that pull you from God. If it’s a person, pray about possibly spending some time away from them to decide if they are worthy and reflect on if they pull you closer to God or further away. We need to love everyone to the best of our abilities, however if it’s not a Godly relationship, it may not be in the best interest for your relationship with the Lord.
It’s important to place God as our number one priority always, but especially during challenging times. I know that often in chaotic times, God’s presence is hard to come by. Even now for me as I’m writing this, I feel distant from God. I know that it’s me and not Him however.
I was listening to the radio while out and driving today, and heard on KLOVE a message that reminded me that I need to try my hardest to keep God first, and surround myself with things that draw me closer to Him instead of further away.
I notice in these “survival” circumstances where peace is hard to come by, and the world is heavy on your heart, serenity and time with God needs to be cultivated even more so than usual.
Here are some ways that I find rest with the Lord, while also shutting the world’s harsh and critical voices out.
1. Spend time with God first thing in the morning. Complete a devotional and spend some time praying, expressing your love and gratefulness to Him. Ask for what you need. Matthew 7:7-11- “Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to knock and the door will open for you.”
2. Refine your social media pages to remind you of God’s love. During critical and tough times, it may be best to stay away from social media altogether.
3. Spend time with people who also share in God’s love; allow positivity and light to shine in your interactions. Encourage and pray for one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage and build each other up.
4. This is a big one, TV can infiltrate our minds so easily with things that aren’t of God and often fill us more with fear than edifying thoughts. Stay away from shows and movies that don’t allow us to think on positive and true things. Shows such as positive comedy and faith-based shows.
Phillippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
5. Set yourself up for success daily- have a routine to put yourself in a good frame of mind for the day. For example, time with God in the morning, time with god in the afternoon, and time with god in the evening. Set this time aside to spend time with Him and ask for peace.
6. Lastly, clear away all things that pull you from God. If it’s a person, pray about possibly spending some time away from them to decide if they are worthy and reflect on if they pull you closer to God or further away. We need to love everyone to the best of our abilities, however if it’s not a Godly relationship, it may not be in the best interest for your relationship with the Lord.
