It's interesting how people's priorities and to-do lists change toward the end of each year. People pack their schedules with parties, planning and shopping. Then after Christmas, we turn our focus toward goals and dreams for the New Year. But if we're not careful, the very things that matter most can wind up on the bottom of the list. That's why we have to be so diligent about spending time with the people who matter most to us, and especially, spending time with our heavenly Father. If we are going to be our best, if we are going to keep growing and moving forward, we have to keep God as the top priority on our list every single day.
During the last few months before Joel's father went home to be with the Lord, he was on dialysis and would have to go to the clinic three times a week for four hours a day to have his blood cleansed. There were plenty of times that he didn't feel like going. He was tired. He was busy. There were other things to do. But it didn't matter how he felt, he went anyway. Why? Because his life depended on it! It simply wasn't an option to not go. Daddy Osteen always loved to travel all over the world, but when he started dialysis, he had to change his plans and rearrange his priorities.
What if we could all be that diligent about seeking God and spending time with Him? When things get busy, when the children need something, when it's hectic at the office, when you have a thousand things to do, that's when you have to stand strong and say, "No, this is not an option. If I'm going to be strong, if I'm going to be productive today, if I'm going to have God's favor, then I've got to rearrange some priorities so I can spend time with Him." You may have to get up a little earlier before the children need you, before the email goes off, before the phone starts ringing. But remember, you draw strength, encouragement and wisdom when you're in God's presence. That's what keeps your life fresh! That's what keeps you moving forward.
As we enter the New Year, I just want to encourage you to make sure that spending time with God is on the top of your list. There's no better way to spend your time than on the Timeless One!
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV)