“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.”
Proverbs 3:6 (Living Bible)
Do you ever let the events and happenings of your life cloud your vision? It is hard to admit to this, because we know the Bible clearly states the opposite. Yet, we all do it. We allow our thoughts to focus first on work, school or family and our actions to be driven by selfish goals.
We are blessed to be alive in Christ, but it is not until we put Him above all other things that we will receive those blessings. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructed the people to stop worrying about what they will wear or what they will eat. He said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV) This is a simple reminder that God rewards faithfulness.
Try filling your mind with Christ. Let His presence overwhelm your thoughts so much that all your decisions and emotions come from Him.
We often wake up in the morning and begin thinking about our plans for the day. Tomorrow morning, wake up and pray for whatever you think you will need to get through your day. Ask Him for peace, comfort or strength for those situations in which you think you might shove God to the side. Ask Him to be present in your mind all day, even during times when you will want to take control.
Colossians 3:1-4 states, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (NIV)
Written by Kelly Reed. Kelly is a senior Strategic Communications major with a focus in Public Relations. She is the President of IWU PRSSA and hopes to work as a communications director of a nonprofit organization after graduation. She loves to tell people’s stories through written word, artwork, speech and strategy. Visit Kelly’s personal website and blog at www.kellyreed.weebly.com.