Priorities. Right now, keeping my five kids fed, dressed and doing their schoolwork, while balancing my career and responsibilities around the house are all competing for my attention. What do I put first? Who gets the best of me when I am full of energy? If I don’t give it to my husband, our marriage feels neglected. My children all need attention for different reasons: the teenagers need my love and support as they make decisions on their own, while the littles need help getting dressed, learning to navigate frustrations, and taking turns. My job requires focus on details because the way I answer and respond impacts a lot of people. 

Does this sound familiar to any of you? We all figure out the balance and make time for the main priorities in our life. But what did I leave out? What didn’t I mention? Spending time with Jesus! So often we are bombarded by the everyday circumstances of our life that we forget to put the person that gives us our strength first and foremost: Jesus Christ. This summer while I was not involved in my women’s Bible study, I really struggled with this, so I asked a friend to partner with me. She would text me every morning to make sure I made time with Christ. What can you do to keep him first if you struggle in this area? 

1. Find accountability or discipleship - Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

2. Set aside time with Jesus and stick to it – Luke 10:38-42 (ESV) “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’”

3. Attend church consistently – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” 

Our God is loving and desires to spend time with His children. We are all in different phases of life. Some of you are entering retirement and can put aside an hour over breakfast to be in God’s presence. Working women might use their lunch break to read the Bible and pray while they are taking a walk or at their desk. Mothers of young children might use Post-it notes to remind them of God’s promises in the Bible or pray and read while holding their sleeping baby. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, but just do your best to create moments to grow in relationship with our Savior. He knows your heart. The more time you spend with God, the more you’ll crave your moments alone. You’ll find yourself looking forward to those moments of worship. 

I challenge you all to carve out your time and make it a priority to seek Him first, above all else. Ask another lady you know that is consistent in their faith to walk alongside you and encourage you. Discipleship is a powerful tool to grow in the Lord. What you are striving for is the most important area of your life and worth it every time!