Is it Worth it?

I'll be honest with you, I'm no different than anyone else... though my heart and passion is intimacy with Jesus, and I write and teach about prioritizing time with Him every way I know how, there's still days like today. I didn't sleep great last night, woke up tired. Hard day at work and body filled with pain. Couple all that with a rainy day and you have a perfect set up by the enemy. The temptation floods my mind... it's a perfect evening to grab a blanket and cuddle up on the couch with my husband. Nothing wrong with that except I have not yet had time with the Lord today. If I fall for this trap, I'll eventually begin to doze on the couch, then I'll head to bed... ignoring my first love and yielding to the one who is set on destroying my relationship with Him. Is it always easy to prioritize time with the Lord? Absolutely not! We live in this flesh that cries out for comfort and rest, it can be very selfish at times. Is it worth it? ALWAYS! Nothing compares to our time with Him!! Oh, the rewards so outweigh any inconveniences.

It's a cycle that will continue to repeat itself if we are not careful. Oh, one night of indulging our flesh with rest and relaxation won't hurt, but if boundaries are not set up and discipline established, one day will turn into many as we spiral further and further from the Lord. Backsliding is so gradual and hardly noticed until one day, you find you're so far from where you once were. Depression begins to set in, sin becomes more tolerable and the weaknesses you once experienced begin to take center stage. 

You may think I'm being over dramatic, but I've seen it time and time again. Sometimes it's for the most noble reasons. They may be too busy to seek God due to ministry opportunities. As people slowly stop spending time in His Word and presence, they begin to experience the consequences of opening themselves up to the enemy. They then blame the Lord for their current condition, never realizing He's been standing there... waiting... waiting for time with them... His arms of love and comfort wide open, prepared to give them strength as He wraps them around them... cries here in the Secret Place of His incredible mercy and love.

Don't feel like spending time with God today? Just too tired or busy? Is it worth it?

Revelation 2:4-5 (NKJV) Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Proverbs 6:9-11 (NKJV) How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.

Psalms 91:1-2 (NKJV) He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”