Feeling disconnected or like something is missing? Have you tried everything to get back into the swing of things and nothing is working? Or do you feel like you're just living to get by? If you start to feel like you're just "going through the motions", God is longing for you! Either way, He longs for all of us but these are specific indications that you may need to reevaluate your relationship with Him. He must be at the center of everything we do. Often times we don't realize it but we claim God is our priority, yet we are not truly living as such. Maybe you've been working extra hours and by the time you get home, you're too tired to do anything or maybe you got into a situation that has led you to worry more about it than anything else. It happens to us all, but its time we regain focus, its time we get back to the heart of worship.
What does "getting back to the heart of worship" really mean, you might ask? Aside from obeying Him, worship is our way of loving Him back. Worship isn't listening to gospel music and singing songs during church service; that's PRAISE. Worship is glorifying and acknowledging the importance of God in our lives. Yes, they go hand in hand but there is a difference. Praise can be part of our worship, but worship goes deeper. Its the realization that without God, we are nothing, that if it wasn't for Him in our lives, we would not be where we are. So who are we to put Him on the back burner because are "occupied" or "worried about" other things?! Yes, we are all busy but we make time for things that are important to us, and if our hearts truly belong to Christ, he should be our first priority, busy or not. He's never too busy to hear our prayers, nor does He forget to wake us up every morning because He simply cares for us.
The best way to revamp your relationship with God is to intentionally spend time with Him. Not because it's "the right thing to do" or a "duty" but because you truly desire to. You can't get closer to a person unless you want to and make an effort to learn about them. The best way to learn about Jesus is through His word! Be creative, make a date out of it if you want to! Grab your favorite blanket, your bible, a journal and pen and find a corner on your floor, and just start praying, reading and journaling. (I strongly suggest journaling in order to help keep track of significant events in your life and growth in your walk.) That's just one example, but there are so many different ways to spend time with Him. He is your friend, your counselor, your comforter, treat Him that way, don't wait for free time to spend with Him, make TIME for Him. Prayer will keep you in contact with Him, reading your bible will educate you about Him and journaling will help you remember important messages He has for you but sometimes your time with God may need to be complete silence. When we pray, we talk to God but we also need to be quiet enough to hear what He has to say to us. Remember the story of Mary and Martha? Jesus came to visit the two sisters one day, Martha ran around cooking, making sure the house was clean and doing all sorts of other things but Mary simply sat at Jesus's feet and listened to Him and He appreciated that more than any of the work Martha was doing because she had put HIM as a priority before anything else. (See Luke 10:38-42 for full story.) Take some time out tonight to hang out with Jesus and see how much better you will feel!
Prayer: Lord, help me get back to the heart of worship. Help me realize that without you at the center, I am nothing. Help me desire to intentionally spend time with you and sit at your feet just like Mary did. That I may enjoy your presence and make you a priority in my life regardless of how busy I am.
Helpful Verses:
Matthew 6:33- But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Romans 10:17 - So that faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God.
John 15:1-5 - I am the true vine and my father is the gardner. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does not bear fruit, He prunes; so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself, it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
