“Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless.” (Psalm 119:37, The Good News Bible)

Today this verse struck a chord with me. To what do I pay attention? How many worthless things consume my mind, heart, time, and priorities? At first, I thought of my obsession with keeping a neat house. How much time do I focus on my possessions? The plants need watering, the house needs cleaning, dishes and clothes need washing, email needs checking, bills must be paid, groceries must be bought, meals must be prepared. Beyond responsibilities there are pleasures…watching favorite tv programs, catching up on Facebook, spending time with friends, listening to the latest news, shopping for more possessions that I don’t even need, spending time reading the latest books and research to keep up with my passion for education.

Yes, it is my responsibility to take care of those blessings. None of these things are wrong in and of themselves. But to what extent do they take up time that should be spent more fruitfully? When I jump right into those responsibilities instead of spending time with God, what does that say about my priorities and devotion to Him? When I get to the end of the day and realize I have not even acknowledged God’s goodness and favor, what does that say? Yes, Lord, I know you are with me every moment. I know that you love me and don’t judge me by my performance, but how much do I take you for granted? How much do I try to just fit you in to MY schedule?

When we read God’s word in the Bible we are told to consider:

1. A warning to heed
2. A promise to claim
3. A sin to forsake
4. A command to obey
5. A lesson to learn
6. A principle to apply
7. An example to follow

God’s word corrects us, draws us up short, brings to mind those underlying attitudes, priorities, and actions that are askew from His priorities for our lives. He gives us His word to show us the true way to freedom, not to condemn us. Today I am convicted that my habits reveal my priorities. I am not giving Him my total devotion. He has more for me than the leanings of this world.

The only way to change a habit is to start a new habit. I heard once that it takes 90 days to set a habit in place. It was called “The 90 Day Guarantee.” If, after 90 days, you are not satisfied with the improvement, you can have your old life back!

Lord, I don’t want my old life, my usual way of living, that puts you at the end of my long line of priorities. Help me to change my habits, attitude, and actions. Help me see how much richer my life could be in you by setting my priorities in line with your will for my life. I can only do this with the help of your Holy Spirit nudging, convicting, speaking into my heart. and strengthening me in you.

                                                                                 In Jesus name I pray,

                                                                                 Amen