Jan. 14, 2009 - Putting God First
You probably noticed the title of this article and laughed inwardly. "Putting God first" is easily said than done...right? That's what I thought...But if you finish reading this article, you might come to a different conclusion. (Or a different approach at attempting this goal!)
I used to laugh when people always talked about their "new year's resolutions". For some reason, it seemed kind of like a joke. You know, people always choose almost outlandish things to accomplish, sometimes! ;-D
But surprisingly, this year, I've made a few "new year's resolutions" for myself. After just randomly thinking it over, I decided that my first one is ultimately this - Putting God first.
"The living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." - 1 Timothy 6:17
You don't know how refreshing it is to know that God cares for my happiness. I love that He cares about the things we do in life. Sometimes though, I almost take advantage of this, without acknowledging God, or thanking Him for the so many gifts He gives me. It's so easy to forget, with the abundance of happiness and enjoyment I seem to get out of everyday life things that He's provided.
But it makes me think - There are so many distractions in our lives. It's so easy to take things we love and make them our priority. We sometimes even put our own silly dreams and goals before God. I do this all the time, and recently, I started thinking about how unhappy this has made me. Really, it's made me feel terribly guilty and I've gotten to the point where I don't care about my goals anymore, if they get in the way of God.
I know there are some things that are very dear to your hearts, girls, and there are things you know God intends you to do someday - but don't get caught up dreaming all the time! Take time to consider things...
We usually say (about any big step we take) that we feel like God is telling us to do this or that. But sometimes, you have to admit, it may be YOU, more so than God. Saying God is telling you to do something is simply an excuse at times. But it becomes a habit. I remember, when I was little, I used to use that excuse for a lot of things I wanted to do. And usually, it wasn't anything to glorify God with, it was just for my own satisfaction.
This year, I want to just throw away the things that are only for my own selfishness. I may not achieve this goal completely, but I know that if this is what the Lord wants us to do in His Word, then there is a way to do it. There has to be, because He would not ask us to do things we are incapable of doing. Be encouraged to know that these important things for your life are not far from within reach - just remember that God requires you to fully acknowledge HIM when trying to attain these things, or else, it is utterly in vain.
Remember - It's so easy to get caught in our own trap - we've all been there. We get tangled up in ourselves, and once we do that, we can't get out of it easily - at least, not all by ourselves. We need God.
I need to put God first when it comes to:
My weaknesses
My fears
My happiness
My strengths
My future
My personal plans & goals
and oh, so many other things!
(What about you? Do you long for satisfaction and fulfillment in God? Do you feel satisfaction in the things you do now?)
I need to turn "MY" goals into the purpose God has for me. God has great plans for every one of His children.
This verse in the Psalms really sums it up for me, and what I am trying to say to God this year:
"Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word. Fulfill Your promise to your servant, so that You may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for Your precepts. Preserve my life in Your righteousness." Psalm 119:33-40
I love the portion of those verses where it says "turn my heart towards Your statutes, and not towards selfish gain" - so true! That's exactly what I have been praying to God. Just everything in those verses speak to me!
May you keep close to God this year!
~Rachel, for Priceless Purity~
Comments
Jan. 20, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by pokadot
I totally agree. Those are some really encouraging verses. Great to meet you...
Blessings,
Naomi
Jan. 25, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Gratitude
Hey.
Thank you very much!
And thank you for stopping by. And adding me. I did the same. I am really looking forward to coming and reading more, you have set up a nice site/blog!
Talk to you all soon and hopefully I'll find some time to stop by this week and read more!
God Bless
Mandie
Jan. 27, 2009 - HEY!
Posted by abbyh333
hey I love you blog!
I added you to my
friend list hope you don't
mind....well got to go!
In Christ,
Kat
Feb. 14, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by PinkPrecious
I think that at one time or another we have all put things over God. It is hard not to do that.
Emily
Feb. 16, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by necrone
Thank you for commenting on my blog. I really enjoyed your post!
Blessings,
Nicole
Sep. 30, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lovelyrose
Wow that really spoke to me! I've been feeling much the same as of late! So please keep me in your prayers. That I will strive to put God first!
Blessings in Christ,
Hannah
Nov. 15, 2009 - :)
Posted by felixpoe
Hi! I'm Felixpoe! *place real name here!* I co-run Godly girls! :) I am GLAD you guys *girls are doing this! :) I was wondering if i could add you as a friend??????
