Last Sunday morning, I was very irritated. Knowing that September is right around the corner and I really need to plow some fields to plant winter oats, I had planned on plowing after church. But early that morning, when I got up to take out the dogs, I stepped into a thunderstorm. That’s when I realized it would be too wet to plow and the unexpected rains would set me back even further. I was not happy.
Now think about what I just said. It was Sunday, the day set aside to worship God, and my main concern was a farming time crunch. On top of that, even though my fields had developed large cracks in the soil due to the lack of moisture, I was complaining about rain – in Central Texas – in August. There’s something very wrong with me.
I have noticed that I have a tendency to put my petty wants and desires before anything else, including God. This is something I struggle with on a daily basis. And whenever I forget to put God in the right place, my priorities run off the track and take me in the wrong direction. Being frustrated about God’s blessing of rain, on a Sunday, in August is a very good example.
If you find yourself struggling with priorities like I do, just know there is a better way to live that helps us see what really matters and what is of no consequence. Jesus said: “Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 CEB)
Focusing first on God is the way to a life of legitimate holy purpose. It’s why we were made to begin with.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to put you first in my life. Help me focus in the right direction and see past my petty self to what really matters and what doesn’t. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Just for the record, Monday I noticed that Sunday’s rains greened up my pastures and made the soil much easier to plow. Thank God for Sunday’s rains.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 