I don't know about any of you, but I get so caught up in the stresses of life. To a point where God no longer is my focus, but it's that thing that has taken it's spot center stage. In your life there will always be something that is your focus. That something can be anything. So many times we are blind to idolatry in our lives because we don't take the time to reevaluate what really takes precedence in our hearts.
A lot of times the hardships I'm facing take that center stage role. The thing is I don't think I'm dwelling on it when I pray and pray and pray about it...but I am. Don't get me wrong we are supposed to cast all our cares on the Lord. But that's just it we are supposed to cast our cares upon him. Give them to him and let go. So many times we miss the let go part. Why am I not feeling your peace Lord? Maybe it's because you aren't trusting God entirely to take care of you. And that's when something gets put before God.
An idol is anybody or anything that has our love and loyalty ahead of God, and as a result decreases our dependence on Him, our desperation for Him and our devotion to Him.
I don't love being stressed out, but when I think about it I am pretty loyal to it. I give my hardships lots of attention. Or sometimes it's other things that I put before God unintentionally. Things that you would think how could that be idolatry? Serving in the church can take precedence over God. Family, friends, music...whatever!
I'm writing this to you to urge you to look at yourself...really look at your heart and ask yourself is there anything I am putting before God? And then do something about it! After all even if you look and see that God is right where he is intended to be in your life, there is always room to grow! 1 Corinthians 10:12 says Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
It feels good to be able to see God working. When your eyes are focused on something other than Him it is so easy to doubt. When you refocus...When you ask God to rekindle that flame in your heart, He is faithful and He will do it. And then it's so clear that he is right here and that he has been here all along!
I'm praying for you all as this new year approaches. Praying for His guidance in your life and that you would taste and see that the Lord is good!
