“In the morning, you will hear my voice, Lord; in the morning, I will come before you and watch expectantly.” – Psalm 5:3
How easily the tasks and rush of everyday life swallow us up and deprive us of the fullness found in enjoying God’s presence. Our responsibilities demand attention, and the distractions of entertainment steal our TIME.
We enjoy God’s presence when our hearts and minds are entirely turned towards him, whether through prayer and reading the Word or through meditation: remaining silent, quieting the soul to hear God’s voice, and focusing on who God is, what he says and what he does.
It is very important to share fellowship in church, seeking the Lord with our brothers and sisters, and to pray with and for others. But seeking him in the secret place – being alone with the Lord – is irreplaceable. In that place, where he speaks directly to us, we are brought into alignment, learn more about him and learn to recognise his voice. After all, he can give signs or reveal his will through other things, and the sensitivity to recognise this is acquired through intimacy with God.
If we do not take a stand and intentionally set aside this time to seek the Lord, days, weeks and months can pass without our meeting alone with God. That is why we are emphasising the importance of putting him first in the day. If on a particular day you only have time for one prayer, pray it from the heart, with your mind focused on your words, rather than praying carelessly while doing other things. This first moment of your day is crucial. If you have more time, give priority to pausing in God’s presence, meditating on his Word and praising him before doing other things. This simple choice, the first choice of your day, can completely change the course of what happens – at least within you and in the way you face the day’s challenges. This too is putting on the armour: seeking God as the first priority in your day, because it strengthens everything that belongs to him, everything he has already given you as his child.
“Father, forgive me for all the times I wanted to overcome on my own. Forgive all the pride and vanity that cried out within me, leading me to believe I had, or could have, control over things. Because I wanted control, I became anxious or stressed. Forgive me for being unable to pause in your presence, for the many times I gave priority to other things, whether important or trivial, and left you in last place. May I be a wise child who seeks you first in my day, not only after everything else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pastor Andressa Priscila Baumgartner
