“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord, your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
By Steve McShane
I was reminded during a recent Small Group meeting that God is with us daily—24/7. He is unfailing and faithful during good times and bad ones. While I have heard these words a thousand times, it has taken me my entire lifetime to fully engage.
In my younger years I would say, “yeah, yeah, I know”—and pour another glass of wine. I would fill my daily calendar with appointments and activities only to find that I was hollow and empty. I asked myself: “Is this all there is?”
Things changed at a WorkLight Challenge Weekend a couple of years ago. One of the speakers gave a moving demonstration using a jar and a variety of items which needed to fit inside that jar.
He explained that the jar represented the lives we live, and each item represented the various priorities we place on each one. He said that most of us fill the jar with our priorities and try to stuff God in as an afterthought. I distinctly remember saying: “That’s me!”
He pointed out that by placing God in the jar first, the other items fit neatly around God. Then our life’s activities flow with God’s blessings.
Following the retreat, I committed to putting God at the center of my life. With some time and assistance from the Holy Spirit, I re-prioritized what I had been doing.
Thanks to this decision, I have become better equipped to hear and embrace God’s direction. My relationships with my wife and kids have improved immensely. I now serve God better in my career and in the community in ways I could have never dreamed of before.
Pray
You are with me, Lord. I hear you and feel your presence. I ask that I seek you always. May I follow through on what you ask of me.
Reflect
May we put God at the center of our lives. Think about your own life and what you prioritize, and how your activities pair with your priorities.
Discuss
Is God the center of your life? Is God at the center of your marriage, parenting, community involvement, and your work life? What steps can you take today to make that happen?
Steve McShane is president of the WorkLight Monterey Chapter. He is past president of the WorkLight Salinas Valley Chapter. He serves as director of development for the Bridge Restoration Ministry.