by Kala Loptien

Seeking First

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 ESV

Have you ever wished for a “do over”? Without thinking or filtering your words or actions, you say or do something you wish you hadn’t? I don’t know about you, but I often find myself speaking before fully vetting the words coming out of my mouth. Sometimes I even feel a check in my spirit as I’m speaking. “Why did I even say that?” I find myself thinking.

We gravitate towards reacting (maybe overreacting) quickly and thinking of our feelings first. We want things now and we don’t have time for patience. All this rushing and hurrying through life creates an uneasiness. There’s constant stress and quick tempers when everyone is in “go-mode” 24-7. What we need is to pause. We need that margin, that space in our days to take a breath.

If you’re thinking, “What does that do?” or “Who has time for this?” I get it. But ultimately, I think we have to flip the script here and say, “Who has time not to?” This style of take-five, intentional living allows us to stop momentarily; to evaluate our decisions; to examine our hearts and thoughts. Most importantly, it creates willful time to pray away the worries; to request guidance; to seek wisdom and show contrition. We desperately need those moments with God. To be heard and submit our requests, yes; but the part we struggle with most is listening. He provides us with answers and offers navigation in every circumstance. We have His Word, His Spirit and Christian counsel.

I know this is a challenge for many (if not all) of us. It’s never too late to start new. And every day is an opportunity. We’ve been given the instruction and the tools to handle what the day brings. Let’s take those moments to pause and pray.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado