How easy it is to wake up in the morning and jump straight into our business—projects, entertainment, conversations, tasks. But it is exactly here, in the first moments of the day, that discipline, focus, and holy habits are formed. Scripture reminds us, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6, CSB).
If we are called to acknowledge God in all our ways, how can we begin the day without prayer—without talking to Him and, even more importantly, listening to the Holy Spirit? If we are instructed to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2, CSB) and to “put on the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16, CSB), how can this happen apart from time in His Word?
How can we say we love God, yet not spend time with Him? This is the first great problem of the human heart. Our relationship with God is our Source of life. Our well-being does not depend only on sleep, exercise, or nutrition, but—as Jesus said—“on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, CSB).
Much of our depression, anxiety, frustration, and anger can be traced back to the way we think. We continue to feel certain ways because we continue to think in certain ways. And we continue to think as we do because of what we have learned through our upbringing, culture, and experiences.
The proper mindset is one aligned with God’s righteousness, God’s culture, and God’s way of seeing and doing things. It rests in the assurance that “the Lord is good, and His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 100:5, CSB). It trusts that He has a good plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11, CSB) and that “all things work together for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28, CSB). It holds to the promise that “nothing…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:39, CSB).
Beloved, I’m talking about an assurance that transcends circumstances—an inner confidence that, at the end of the day, everything will be okay because God is with us. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” is not dependent on what we have or don’t have (Philippians 4:7, CSB). It is peace despite circumstances. Paul learned this mystery; he said, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself” (Philippians 4:11, CSB).
We, as God’s people, desperately need to learn this same mystery—but we never will apart from Him. Just as darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat, many troubled emotions are simply the result of the lack of God’s presence in our daily lives.
My wife and I have a beautiful property in Puerto Rico. When the house sits empty, mildew grows, spiders take over, and little creatures like lizards make themselves at home. The grass and weeds can grow over my head in no time. The place becomes wild very quickly. It requires work. It requires attention.
Beloved, this is a picture of our souls without God.
Without His presence, His Word, and His voice—things grow out of control.
But with Him, everything is ordered, renewed, strengthened, and made alive.
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