THANKFUL

Friday, March 11, 2022

Lord, You know our hearts. We desire to serve You, but we struggle with our wandering-sheep humanity and lose sight of the important things in life. You bless Your followers and remain faithful to supply our needs. Living for You and obeying Your Word should always be our number one priority. If we’re not diligent to stay close to You, however, worldly attitudes can set up residence in our mind to turn our focus away from the spiritual and on to the carnal. The desires to get ahead in life, to excel in our careers, to improve our family’s standard of living are all noble and good, and we all should strive to improve our lot. But when these goals consume us to the point they are always forefront on our mind, they become the idols Your Word warns us about. Idols come in all forms. That new gadget we could not live without last month now sits in the corner, collecting dust. Remember the outfit you hoped would make you king/queen of the ball? How about the Netflix episodes we binge on over the weekends?  This battle to say plugged into You, Lord, has waged a long time. The psalmist found himself in this situation and saw where he was headed. “I will obey Your decrees,” he promised in repentance. “Please don’t give up on me!” (Psalm 119:8). He didn’t deny his wandering mind. “Turn my eyes from worthless things,” he pleaded. “And give me life through Your Word” (Psalm 119:37).

Lord, may this prayer be my heart’s desire. Amen.