“But seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given to you as well”
(Mathew 6: 33)
We all have priorities in our lives and of course they change as we grow older, study, beginning our long sought after job, marrying having children, retiring but there is one unchanging priority that we often overlook as life becomes busy and we become distracted by that long list of what we have to do today, and we forget if we fulfilled that one first, life would take on quite a different outlook. Seeking the Lord’s guidance is the greatest priority and Jesus promises us if we do this first, all those other pressing priorities will become manageable under his guidance.
Jesus makes this truly clear when the people begin to question him about what is most important in their lives and this is what he says.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Mathew 23: 37)
Of course, there are other important factors in our lives, but we can include them and include the Lord as well. Being a parent, running the home perhaps also working, demands we carry out the other priorities but when we are sending the children off to school we can have a brief prayer with them Meals have to be prepared but simply thanking God before we eat includes him. Scripture tells us to teach our children about his word. We can do this by reading the Bible to them. Moses encourages parents to do this.
“Teach them to your children and their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4: 9)
Exercise is important for our bodies, but again if we are walking or running outside it is a wonderful time to include the Lord by speaking to him while we exercise. Even on the treadmill or biking is a good time for prayer.
Our jobs are important, but if we have a long drive to work, we can also spend time talking to him. It is amazing how modern man has devised smart phones that allow us to contact others when ever we want to, but it has always been possible to talk to the Father without a cell phone and whenever we need to.
One of my favourite verses that I have quoted many times on this blog, is such a good reminder on how to cope with the demands of daily life It has also been converted into a song and puts it quite simply. Recognise the Heavenly Father in all aspects of your life and all the other priorities will fall into place.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 4 – 6)
As we are entering summer weather, restrictions imposed months ago due to the corona virus, have relaxed slightly and families are now allowed to go to local beaches and parks and as I was watching the television news it was showing a mother and father with a toddler, paddling in the ocean. I was fascinated to watch the loving tender care both parents were taking of their little one, never taking their eyes of him. He was adventurous and unaware of any danger the ocean might hold, but every time he wanted to keep wading into deeper water, his parents would guide him back to safety. It reminded me of the beautiful promises found in God’s word of how he keeps his eyes on us and constantly guides us to safer waters. Sometimes we ignore his advice and decide we are quite capable to look after our own lives and do not need him to meddle in them.
The world has been turned upside down by this vicious corona virus. All our lives have had to change to protect ourselves and others. Jobs have been lost. Children denied school and fun playing with friends. Old people shut away from family even though they struggle with the last days of dying, it feels as if our lives are in pieces and over all the chaos is fear of what the future holds. Emotions have become raw and deep, down resentment has erupted and ugly racism has surfaced and made us all rethink of our own values, especially when we are followers of Jesus. So how will we pick up the pieces when life returns?
Nehemiah was a cup bearer to the king of Persia and after Nehemiah learnt what was happening to his fellow countrymen he prayed to God and begged him to have pity on them. After praying Nehemiah was brave enough to as k the King could he go back to Jerusalem. When he returned, he filled the people with hope and told them their gracious God was with them they banded together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They were taunted by their enemies, but Nehemiah reminded them.
Often when we need to rebuild, we need to use new bricks that will give us a firm foundation, so let us plan ahead to use new ways in our lives to correct the mistakes we have been making, so when the time comes, we will build with enthusiasm and remember Jesus’ words
We are living through the world being in turmoil and then added to his terrifying plague, corona virus, we are plunged into the chaos of ugly racism sweeping through the U.S.A. Racism has long been there, but the threat of perhaps, death through the virus, has frayed nerves and emotions have risen to the surface demanding that we all face the truth about what people are suffering and rightly so. We as God’s people need to look closely at how we view others and how we can be holy as the Lord told us, (Leviticus 11: 45) the definition of holy, means to be set apart. I feel this means that we are not influenced by what the world says, but we are guided by what God’s word says, we are to be different and stand out as those who spread love not hatred.
Paul also entreats the believers to look beyond what they think is important to them and to be aware of how others look at their lives and to realise what is important to them
Just recently, before the COVID19 had happened, I was at a church luncheon and I chose to sit at a table at which I knew nobody. The tables seated eight people and when all had sat down, one gentleman began the conversation with this thoughtful idea. He said we all have a story let us share our stories so we can relate to each other. 
This is such a comfort to all of us who love the Lord. He knows all our stories. We don’t have to pretend to him how wonderful we are. We don’t have to pretend we are okay when we are broken hearted. We don’t have to be ashamed of what we have done, we can come to him and be forgiven and have a fresh start to a new fresh story and when it involves him actively, it takes on a new quite different path. One of joy and contentment about who we are, and the other exciting part is we join Jesus’ story.
Apprehension, anxiety, fear of the future is sweeping over many parts of the world and lockdowns and isolation is heightening these feeling in many people but for those already struggling with depression it has an even more powerful affect. I have a young friend who is caught in this dilemma and finding it very difficult to cope. I was praying for her early one morning and then I went to read the passage set for my Bible study and it was these beautiful words from the Lord spoken through the prophet, Isaiah, (Isaiah 43: 1-2) sent to God’s people to comfort them as they were struggling in difficult times. As I finished reading them, I felt these words were meant for my young friend.
The Lord constantly reminded the children of Israel, and the reminders are still relevant for us, that He cares for us whatever situation we find ourselves in and that he is always nearby, never too busy to listen. All we need do is talk to him and tell him the fears that are assailing us
