Sometimes; it is the very things that God has blessed us with that keep us from spending time with Him.
Our nice homes, our friends, jobs, children, all of these things are given us by the Lord. (James 1:17)
Yet, these are the things that can be the basis of our excuses for missing church, neglecting prayer or not being faithful in Bible study. Perhaps because when we are blessed, we have no “need” so we put seeking God at the bottom of our “list?”
The children of Israel had the same issues. When God would bless them, instead of loving God they became consumed in their own lives. Sometimes, they even thought their blessings came as a result of their own works rather than God’s hand. (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)
God delights in giving us blessings; just like we love to give things to our children. But, it can be very easy to get involved in enjoying those blessings and neglect our intimate relationship with Him. (Deuteronomy 8:10-14)
When those things that God has blessed us with separate us from Him, we need to do some rearranging. (Matthew 6: 31-33)
The Word says that God is a jealous God. Not as a person would be jealous, but vigilant in guarding us against those things that can lessen our relationship with Him. He knows when we are not listening; it’s easy to lose our way.
When we put conversation with our Lord (prayer), at the top of the list, the every day stuff is less likely to frustrate, intimidate and discourage us. Time alone with Jesus not only gives us direction through life’s trials but also restores our strength and our perspective.
The blessings of living an active abundant life are no longer blessings when they keep me from the activities that build relationship with my Lord. There is no blessing greater than the intimacy with God that comes from time spent in His presence.
Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”