Be Wise

Lately I've been allowing life to crowd out my time with Jesus.  And I've been neglectful of my study and prayer time.  I always feel so weird trying to get back to it.  Like I'm so unworthy and fake.  It's like I feel I am only doing because I know I'm supposed to not because I want to.  That is only partially true though.  I want to and I know I'm supposed to.  It's just that being away from dedicated time out with God makes me think I need to do some form of penance before I'm allowed to be in His Presence.  

Now, I know not only have I been over busy, I've also gotten lazy.  Most nights I could have taken time to study, pray and fellowship with my Father, but by then I'm tired.  Now I have the excuse, "I'm tired and I need a break from working, thinking, doing..."  So on goes the TV.  Out comes the book.   It's an EXCUSE.  Pure and simple.  So I decided to buckle down and get back to it tonight.  My intention was to work on the Psalms for my Friday Bible study group.  Well the Lord had a message for me.  

I opened the Bible and the first page I opened to was Proverbs 15.  In Proverbs 15 I have a highlighted verse.  That verse is 14.  Proverbs 15:14 says, "A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash."  Ouch!!  Next to this verse I have written, "Make Bible study a priority--don't be lazy."  Double ouch!!

Well, okay then.  I guess I got the message loud and clear.  But you know what else I get?  I get another message with that verse.  Yes, I understand my priorities have been out of whack and I've been a lazy fool.  But I also hear God saying, just come back.  Come back and hang out with me.  Get back to doing what you know, what you need the most.  Time in My Presence.  

God isn't asking me to jump through hoops or wear sackcloth and ashes.  He just wants me back where I belong.  The Father in Luke 15:11-24 expected nothing from the prodigal son.  He didn't ask for bucketfuls of tears or mea culpas, He celebrated the return of his child.  And while I should and do repent of my neglect I know that the Lord welcomes me and desires my return to fellowship.  I am so grateful for His mercy and loving welcome.  How utterly blessed and blessed some more I am!

Lord, thank You.  Thank You for Your strong words of correction.  I welcome them and repent of my spiritual laziness and putting You on the bottom of things lately.  I've let so many things come before You...busyness and self has drown out Your voice.  Please forgive me.  And thank You for Your open arms, which welcome me back into Your Presence.  Lord, help us to stop letting life getting in the way of being with You.  I pray this in Jesus' most precious Name.  Amen. 

Have you neglected your "God time?"  Get back to it!