Ask God first (Find Him in His Word)

Ask God first

In this very crazy, uncertain and busy world, whether you are wondering what to do about a job opportunity, or a health and wellness issue at hand, or a family member in need, we can easily be distracted and totally forget or neglect to ask for advice where it matters most. So, where do we find our spiritual answers? Answers to: what next, where to go, should I or shouldn't I, how to fix it, etc. etc. etc.?

So often, instead of asking God and searching His Word, we discuss the situation or decision at hand so readily with anyone that crosses our path in the hope of answers and direction. This while, knowing very well that the random advice, no matter how good the intent, it often causes even more confusion, and yet, we still don't make the time to search for answers in the Word of God. Oh my soulishness!

I can only imagine that our Father in Heaven is very saddened by this. I can liken it to when my children came back from somewhere, having found new information or enlightenment, making it very clear to us by our newly found 'know-it-all' child, that we, the parents, have no say or insight on that particular topic any more. This, even though we knew that the kids would come to the correct conclusion later, still made us feel sad, frustrated and even a little rejected at that moment. 'Why?', you would ask. Well, because as parents, we know our children better than any other person on this earth; we know their character, see their potential and want the absolute best for them, so when our opinion, guidance (including discipline) or input is rejected or even worse, not even asked for, it saddens our hearts to know and see them go off on a tangent that may incur a path of confusion, deception, corruption or harm of some sort. Our aim in giving this advice and guidance is always from a viewpoint of protecting, enriching and enhancing (both spiritually and physically) our children and not to punish/harm them. We desire to see them grow into the men and woman that God created them to be.

With this in mind, I am reminded of how we have to apply spiritual discipline to read the Word of God daily, and maybe, just maybe (actually 100% guaranteed!), we will find the answers we're looking for and more. In God's Word, we get to see His character, we get to know His voice, and we get to know Salvation through Jesus Christ. What a privilege and gift it is to have this freedom of owning a Bible (or 5), to have it in my home, and being able to proclaim what I believe without the persecution of death (yet, we know persecution is coming, and I choose eternal life with Christ.... to lose my life is gain!).

So now I stand before you, and openly admit that I too am at fault for allowing 'things' and 'busy-ness' to come between me and the time of separation to read the Word of God. I fail when my alarm goes off and the temptation of lying in bed for another 15minutes overwhelms my soul; I fail when I suddenly realize that I have 3 extra tasks on the 'to do' list, that never seems to get shorter regardless of how I spend my time; I fail when I am physically run down and tired, and sitting in front of entertainment (screens) is a lot more enticing than practicing a discipline... and the list goes on.

But here and now, I choose to strive towards a life of righteousness and I pray that God, by His Holy Spirit, will re-ignite my (and your) desire and hunger to draw close to Him, to know Him, to hear Him and to find Him in His Word daily, hourly and every single minute of my life. I pray that I will not become ritualistic, but that the Word of God will be like a 3D live image that will envelope me with His revelation and understanding, and that every single written Word will jump out at me like never before.

In practicing this discipline, I know that the 'voices' will be silenced with any influence that steers my thoughts and actions away from what God's Will is for my life. If I can follow God's plan for my life, I realize that my life will have a greater impact on others around me than when I try and be what/where I myself or others think I should be.

So, can I challenge you today to strive toward this with me: Ask God first! Make Him your number one priority, read His Word daily and find Him there. He is faithful to answer those who call on His Name, and we have the privilege to run to Him freely and receive the gift of salvation, and have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach.

I pray that you find the Shalom of Yeshua HaMashiach, and that the answers to your questions will be clear as you dwell in His Word!

Amen.