I don’t know about you, but at times I’ve got a tendency to try to “force” the hand of God to act. I confess that there are those periods in my life when I’m not so thrilled about the Lord’s timing. Of course, when the dust of my emotion clears, and I read the Scriptures, He gracefully gives me peace.
We are living in ‘the fast lane’ as a nation. Fast food places are very popular. Microwaves cook more family meals than ovens. If we are not careful, we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. Let’s not forget some basic principles of following Jesus.
Seeking the Lord is the true path of life. His Kingdom is to be our dwelling place, filling our lives with “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” We need to go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to reveal to us personally what it means to be in this world but not a part of it.
Let’s be sensitive to where our hearts are at. Placing our affections and focusing our thoughts on things above5 will keep us from the snare of the “thorns” on earth. I also believe that hastiness is a cause of many of the “weeds” in our garden, such as hasty purchases, hasty decisions and, sadly, hasty quiet time with God.
Waiting upon God is a source of spiritual revival. As Christians, we should plan our schedules around the will of God and the Word of God. I guarantee that if you roll out of bed, stop at McDonald’s drive-up lane and get into the work mentality, your day will not be as fruitful as it would have been if you had done that which was most needful.
Listen, I’m not putting anyone down, but I am challenging you to be “redeeming the time.” Make every second count in your life. Have those chats with the Lord during the day. Tell Him how much you love Him and are thankful for all He’s done in your life. Put God’s word to work for you throughout the day as husbands, wives, children, students, employees and employers. In every sphere of life, be a doer of the word. Yoke yourself to Jesus and His life-giving word, not your ever-changing emotions and flesh. To properly “do business” (or, “occupy”) we must maintain that fellowship with God.
The meditation upon God is sweet. His Word is sweet. Indeed, we should echo the bride in the Song of Solomon in saying to our Beloved, “Your voice is sweet.”
Fellowship and friendship with God will insulate us from the frenzy and fakery of this world, so let’s examine our ways and focus on the Lord, giving Him our all.
