Seeking the Lord First
By Kaytie Graham Josh and I have a Jack Russell terrier named Emma. She has unique ways of communicating her list of daily wants. As you would expect, her wants include treats, belly rubs, naps, and scrounging through the bushes hunting for critters in our backyard. Yet the thing she wants most is to go for walks with us. Her delight is quite apparent, since the second we pull out her leash she begins to twirl, make funny noises, and pace back and forth between the front and garage doors. Her enthusiasm and excitement stem in part from the special attention she receives from us while on a walk, and in part because of the chance to explore and see new things. I recently watched the way that Emma reacts to taking walks with us, and was reminded that on my list of wants the top priority should be a daily walk with my Lord and Master. It is so easy to wake up and be instantly distracted by obligations (not to mention the desire to sleep a few more minutes), so I often get out of bed with a sloth-like approach to the day. If I could be more like Emma, I would wake up each morning with enthusiasm because each day starts a new page, a chance to explore and see new things on my walk as a Christian, and an opportunity to spend time and be close to my Master. We are distracted by so many things. There are material things, pretty houses, nice cars, dream jobs, yummy foods, and so much more. We constantly have to make decisions whether we want to or not. There are even a half dozen or more things we have to decide before ordering a Starbucks! The Bible commands in Matthew 6:31-33 that we are not to worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear because the Lord already knows our wants and needs. If we seek first his Kingdom and righteousness, all that we need will be given to us. The challenge for us today and every day is to keep our eyes focused on the Lord, for in him we will find the ultimate satisfaction for all of the things that we want. So, what does this woman want? I want to have the excitement of our Emma in seeking daily walks with my Master, to be in submission to his commands, and close enough that he will reach down and delight me with his loving touch.
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