by Gail Rodgers
Kathy had neglected the little things. This season of her life was hectic. It wasn’t possible to keep on top of all the things that she usually tended to. Something had to go so she let things slip around the house and yard. At first no one noticed. Yet as the weeds took hold outside and the paperwork and the closets were ignored inside, she could feel the growing chaos around her.
The same thing happens in our inner lives when we neglect the regular care of our spirit. We begin to feel the growing chaos within. The reality of our lives becomes contrasted against the promises of our faith. We become discouraged in our spiritual journey.
God’s Word reminds us to be careful about what we ignore. In the book of Hebrews we are given reminders not to ignore the great salvation God has provided for us.
“Do you think we can risk neglecting this magnificent salvation? ” (Hebrews 2:1- 4 The Message)
It’s so easy to be caught up with the busy things of life that we overlook tending our inner lives. Then we often find chaos in our heart and mind and wonder why God seems distant. During those times we will most likely find our Bible starting to gather dust. God’s Word is nourishment for our souls.
If your life is chaotic and your spirit is dry…if panic is becoming more often present in your heart and mind than peace… check what you are neglecting. Make a beeline back to God’s Word and to fellowship with His people.
Make a fresh determination and declare the words that David declared so long ago in Psalm 119:16…
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.”
Keep God’s Word at the very core of your life. As a Christian you simply cannot risk living otherwise.
~Father in Heaven,
You know how easy it is for me to neglect Your Word. I confess that my Bible stays closed far too often. When You feel distant I blame You. Forgive me Lord. Help me to learn to love Your Word in a greater way. Open my eyes to what You have to say to me through it. Reveal Yourself to me in new ways. Help me to make this a priority in my life. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/
Going Deeper
Consider these questions: What one thing can I change this week to make God’s word a bigger priority in my life? Why is it that we have a tendency to neglect God’s word?
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January 23rd, 2007 at 4:10 am
Such an inspirational devotional . . . whether we are going through a chaotic time in our lives or not . . . the prayer says it all and I have copied it off to add to my prayer joural . . . “Lord, reveal yourself to me in new ways”. Annie
January 23rd, 2007 at 4:22 am
This devotional fits right in for me, Recently I asked a friend who teachs at a Semenary to work out some readings I can do, because I know that other then my daily devotionals I really don’t read the BIBLE. He is going to work out some readings for me to help me get started.
Thank you GOD for you inspertional messages
January 23rd, 2007 at 6:02 am
How true.. how true!!
My days seem so hectic and rushed. I sometimes have a “list of things to do” thats longer than the paper I write it on, and at the end of the day I wonder why I dont feel like I’ve completed anything and my list has grown even longer.
I am so glad that Jesus doesnt forget me like I forget him sometimes. I am going to put Him at the top of my list and I know things in my life will flow so much smoother.
Praise God for his tender mercies everyday!
I thank God that I have another chance today to get right what I did wrong yesterday.
January 23rd, 2007 at 7:14 am
This was such a wonderful devotional for me. I am a new stay at home mom (our baby is 5 months), and I also am a perfectionist…not always a good mix. I find I am still trying to get everything done that I used to, and still do all the things that go along with a baby. Many days I accomplish my goals and my home is spotless, but then I realize I am in a bad mood, stressed, and the one thing I never got around to is my devotional and prayer time. I am doing much better since the start of the new year. I notice when I spend time with God first thing in the morning it gives me the spiritual strength I need to face whatever the day holds for me. Please pray for me that I will continue my daily walk with Him. Thank you.
January 23rd, 2007 at 7:26 am
Monica, I too find if I start my day in his word, things go much smoother, and I feel his spiritual strength. This devotion is a good place to start. Praying that God will provide that extra time in the morning before the baby wakes up or after breakfast, so that you may continue your daily walk. You are wise at an early age to consetrate on this. God bless you!
Blessings to all!!
January 23rd, 2007 at 8:20 am
Monica and June L,
I have to agree with the both of you in the area of doing all my devotional readings in the morning. I am not as busy as most people but I find that if I don’t do them in the morning I am lost the rest of the day. It helps me through out the day and makes me think about the way I talk to people and with my moods.
January 23rd, 2007 at 8:24 am
These daily devotionals are great. I read them before starting my day and God gives me the strength and patience I need daily to have a blessed day. Even sometimes if I have a bad day I’m still blessed that in time it turns out alright. What a beautiful feeling to have Christ in my life daily every minute and to always put him first and
priority in my life over all. I pray daily that God can touch and bless me to an excellent, faithful, and obedient servant for him. Blessings to all!
January 23rd, 2007 at 8:43 am
Sometimes it not just business that keeps us away from the word. Sometimes it can be physical pain, which can make it hard to focus. I just keep at it knowing that God blesses our efforts…..sometimes in ways we could never imagine!
Chris, isn`t it wonderfull to have someone come along side of us. Yours is helping you get started reading the Bible. Mine, a sweet lady named Lois, taught me that when -life happens-& I missed a day or more, don`t try to catch up,…which can discourage us to the point fo quiting all togeather…just continue where you left off!.So just keep at it…& watch for the blessing….
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:07 am
This yr. has started out so badly for our family. Bankruptcy, I lost my job, moving to a new house, health issues with me. And God does seem so far away and that is probably because my Bible is in my car and has been for a few weeks.
At these times I did blame God for seemingly forsaking me when it was me forsaking Him. Forgive me Lord.
What a wonderful devotional this was for me this morning.
As though it was written with me in mind. Praise God for the way He works in our lives.
Because He lives-Tracy
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:18 am
We are all so blessed to have this website. Thank you Lord for providing this network of Christian women who love your word enough to start their day with this opportunity for devotion and prayer. All of you ladies who write in and share your spritual experiences are such an inspriation to me…you are God’s angels in my life, keeping Him close, even though I don’t know you! God bless you all!
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:20 am
It is always a struggle to get into reading the word when you are caught up with other responsibilities, or make it the excuse not to open your bible . It is a good reminder to seek ye the kingdom of God and all things shall be added unto to you. What a joy to hear from God from His word. It is amazing how we find hope and wisdom all from His word. God empower us all to read His word and choose to entrust and trust Him with all of ourselves and our present circumstances.
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 am
I love the way you all take the time to reach out and encourage one another on this blog. Your comments bless and inspire me.
I’m reminded again this morning how very much we need each other on this journey. You warm my heart. May God encase each of you in His presence in a special way today. Warmly, Gail
January 23rd, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Appreciated today’s devotional. God spoke this messaga to me many years ago through Proverbs 24:30-34
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
January 26th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
A wonderful devotional. I know this to be true but why can’t I get back on track? Lord have mercy.
I also am a relatively new stay at home Mom, I just quit my job in the summer. I have 2 children under 3 years old and a Mom who is battling cancer. I am having a hard time juggling everything and my life does seem chaotic and i am always exhausted. We moved to a new home last year so I lost my old support network as well.
My prayer life is not consistent, never mind reading the word. Now that I should be running to Jesus more than ever I find that I barely have time to pray or read the word, so I try to pray when I’m doing chores and when i do try to open the Word I end up falling asleep.etc. I think I am probably struggling with depression as well. With God’s Grace I know i will get through this time. i have to remind myself to just begin with small steps. Please keep me in your payers. Thanks for listening.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Teresa, having 2 children under 3 is a very exhausting job in itself and having to battle cancer besides just adds to it. Sometimes it’s a great idea to just have some praise tapes on because they will help you to lift to eyes to the Lord. Most praise songs are words taken directly from the Bible. Enjoy them and relax in God.
~Heavenly Father, I pray that You will put your loving arms around Teresa and just help her to be able to relax in you. Thank you for what you will do in her life. Bring the joy back.
I pray this in Jesus’ powerful name, amen.
January 29th, 2007 at 7:11 am
Dorothy,
Thank you and God Bless You. I am encouraged by your prayer.