God Above All
One of the best parts about being an elementary school teacher is summer break. The first thing I do is turn off that 5:30 a.m. alarm on my phone. But one summer, I noticed something. I was enjoying my slower mornings and sleeping in a little, but I also live in a house with five kids, ages 5 to 20. So when I sleep in, I risk not being alone again until bedtime. (If you know, you know!)
The problem was that while I was catching up on rest, I was also missing the uninterrupted quiet time with the Lord that I had kept so faithfully during the school year. One day, it hit me. I wasn’t spending time with Jesus the way I had been. Yes, I was still praying, attending church, and reading devotions, but I had lost that dedicated time to sit, think, listen, read the Word, and truly connect in prayer.
Once I realized what was missing, I knew I had to be intentional about making space again. For me right now, that means setting an alarm to beat my early-rising 5-year-old. No, it’s not back to 5:30 a.m., but I’ve learned that I’m a better person when I start my day with Jesus. He deserves top priority in my life and in my day.
This lesson came to mind as I read the book of Haggai.
In Haggai, the people were neglecting God’s temple. They had become more focused on their own homes and personal gain than on the One who gives every good thing. And what they discovered was that all their hard work wasn’t leading to fulfillment.
Haggai 1:3–11 shows how the Lord, through the prophet, confronted them:
“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!” (v. 3–6)
They were working nonstop to plant, eat, clothe themselves, and earn wages, but it was never enough. They were pouring their energy into everything except God. The temple, His dwelling place, was left in ruins while they focused on themselves.
How often do we do the same? We say God is first in our lives, but does He actually get the first part of our day? Or even any part of our day? It’s easy to get swept up in routines and responsibilities. We try to figure everything out on our own. And let’s be honest: most of us carry around a mini-computer all day (a.k.a. your phone). We can research anything, entertain ourselves endlessly, and waste an hour in a flash. Yet still, we aren’t fulfilled.
“You eat, but aren’t satisfied. You drink, but are still thirsty…”
If you’ve found yourself slipping into complacency when it comes to prioritizing God, don’t ignore it. Recognize it. Repent. And make a change. Find someone who will hold you accountable, someone also trying to keep God first. When we make it a priority to read the Word and ask God to speak to our hearts, we grow stronger inside. Our spirit is fed.
When we pray and listen, we build relationship with God.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
Activation: Read the book of Haggai. It’s just two chapters! Also read Matthew 6:19–34.
Prayer:
God, forgive me for the times I’ve put You last. I want You to be first place in my day and in my life. Speak to me through Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit lead, guide, and direct my every step today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The problem was that while I was catching up on rest, I was also missing the uninterrupted quiet time with the Lord that I had kept so faithfully during the school year. One day, it hit me. I wasn’t spending time with Jesus the way I had been. Yes, I was still praying, attending church, and reading devotions, but I had lost that dedicated time to sit, think, listen, read the Word, and truly connect in prayer.
Once I realized what was missing, I knew I had to be intentional about making space again. For me right now, that means setting an alarm to beat my early-rising 5-year-old. No, it’s not back to 5:30 a.m., but I’ve learned that I’m a better person when I start my day with Jesus. He deserves top priority in my life and in my day.
This lesson came to mind as I read the book of Haggai.
In Haggai, the people were neglecting God’s temple. They had become more focused on their own homes and personal gain than on the One who gives every good thing. And what they discovered was that all their hard work wasn’t leading to fulfillment.
Haggai 1:3–11 shows how the Lord, through the prophet, confronted them:
“Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!” (v. 3–6)
They were working nonstop to plant, eat, clothe themselves, and earn wages, but it was never enough. They were pouring their energy into everything except God. The temple, His dwelling place, was left in ruins while they focused on themselves.
How often do we do the same? We say God is first in our lives, but does He actually get the first part of our day? Or even any part of our day? It’s easy to get swept up in routines and responsibilities. We try to figure everything out on our own. And let’s be honest: most of us carry around a mini-computer all day (a.k.a. your phone). We can research anything, entertain ourselves endlessly, and waste an hour in a flash. Yet still, we aren’t fulfilled.
“You eat, but aren’t satisfied. You drink, but are still thirsty…”
If you’ve found yourself slipping into complacency when it comes to prioritizing God, don’t ignore it. Recognize it. Repent. And make a change. Find someone who will hold you accountable, someone also trying to keep God first. When we make it a priority to read the Word and ask God to speak to our hearts, we grow stronger inside. Our spirit is fed.
When we pray and listen, we build relationship with God.
Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
Activation: Read the book of Haggai. It’s just two chapters! Also read Matthew 6:19–34.
Prayer:
God, forgive me for the times I’ve put You last. I want You to be first place in my day and in my life. Speak to me through Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit lead, guide, and direct my every step today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
2 Comments
So good Megan!
So true! I always love your devotions, Megan!