How to Devote Your Life to the Lord

7 Day Series

Day 3: Prioritizing Time with God

Scripture:

Mark 1:35 – "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

Reflection:

Devotion to God requires intentional time spent in His presence, and Jesus Himself demonstrated this practice. Mark 1:35 gives us a powerful example of Jesus prioritizing His relationship with the Father, even when there were demands on His time. Jesus didn’t wait for the "right moment" to pray, nor did He allow the busyness of the day to distract Him from what mattered most: spending time with God. He made it a priority to get up early, before the world around Him was awake, to be alone with His Father in prayer.

This practice wasn’t just about setting aside time for religious duty; it was about nurturing a relationship. Jesus knew that to fulfill His mission and stay connected to the Father, He needed to regularly withdraw from the distractions and busyness of life to be still, listen, and pray. If Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, saw the need to spend time in solitude with the Father, how much more do we, as imperfect humans, need to prioritize our time with God?

In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, finding time for God can be a challenge. We often feel pulled in many directions, juggling work, family, and responsibilities. Yet, the key to true devotion is making time for God, even in the midst of our busy lives. Just as we prioritize meals, work, and sleep, we must also make time for God. This time isn’t just about fulfilling an obligation, but about cultivating a deeper relationship with Him. Our time with God—through prayer, Bible reading, and meditation, helps us to align our hearts and minds with His will, to receive His guidance, and to find peace in the midst of life’s challenges.

The question we must ask ourselves is: How much do we truly prioritize our relationship with God? Do we make time for Him as we would for a close friend or loved one? Our devotion grows when we intentionally create space for God in our daily lives, making time to hear His voice and respond to His love.

When we prioritize time with God, we are reminded of His presence in every part of our lives. We are refreshed, renewed, and equipped to face the challenges of the day. Spending time with God isn't just an activity. It’s an investment in our spiritual health and our ability to live out His will. It shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, aligning us more closely with His purposes.

Action Step:

Set aside a specific time each day to meet with God. Whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed, make this time a priority in your daily routine. Start small if needed, but commit to building a consistent habit of spending time with God in prayer and Bible reading.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to carve out time every day to spend with You. Teach me how to prioritize my relationship with You above all else.