Lesson 21 - A Heart That Seeks First Things First

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; – Psalm 63:1

Let’s reflect back to our illustration of the Seven Sacred Pools from last week’s lesson. Remember how they illustrate the beauty of God’s plan for our life as women after His heart.

Our vision of God and of His plan for us moves our hearts – His design is so pure, so right, so uncluttered, and it makes sense!

Now that we have seen the beauty of the vision, we have to go forward and DO God’s will.

How do we get started? Where do we begin?

The answer is PRAY!

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

He always enables us to do His will. God’s grace is always sufficient to the task.

In fact, He has already given you everything you need to live your life in full godliness.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: - 2 Peter 1:3

You can do all things through the strength of Jesus.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. – Philippians 4:13

A Word About Priorities

We need a plan if we are to live by God’s priorities and obey His call. Our lives are complex and demanding. God’s order for priorities makes the day-to-day and moment-by-moment decisions easier.

Let’s reflect on our grand duties and works:

 Loving God and following after Him with a whole heart.
 Loving, helping, and serving our husband.
 Loving and teaching our children.
 Loving and caring for our home in order to provide a quality life for our family.
 Developing yourself so that you have something to give to others.
 Loving and serving God’s people.

We are called to wear many hats but we can only wear one at a time and knowing what our priorities are keeps us fully focused on the most important thing at hand at any given minute.

Now these are not rigid guidelines, but they are a guideline to help you gain greater control over your life.

These priorities will give you knowledge, skills, and motivation as you follow after God.

Don’t forget the principle of flexibility. Jesus stopped and ministered to the bleeding woman on His way to raise Jairus’ dead daughter in Luke 8:41-56, and we need to be flexible with each new event, crisis, or person to focus on the real priority for the moment.

A Word About Choices

Our choices, which reflect our priorities, will help us fulfill God’s design for our lives.

What you are today (based on the choices you are making) is what you are becoming and you are today what you have been becoming (based on the choices you have already made).

Whether you are dealing with the next 5 minutes, the next hour, tomorrow, or forever, the choices you make will make all the difference in the world!

A Word About Others

We haven’t talked about parents, brothers, sisters, or extended family, have we?

We haven’t really discussed jobs or careers, friends, neighbors, hobbies, pastimes, or our social lives.

All these elements need to be addressed and managed as we live a life that pleases God.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; - 1 Timothy 6:17

God will reveal your priorities when you pray, search the Scriptures, and seek wise counsel.

Our life situation may change, but God’s Word never changes.

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. – Psalm 33:11

God will reveal the order you need to prioritize the remaining areas of your life when you pray, search the Scriptures, and seek wise counsel.

A Word About Waiting

As a general principle for practicing your priorities, know that it is safer to wait and do nothing than to rush in and do the wrong thing.

Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth. – Proverbs 19:2

Think of some times in your life where the situation was “demanding” immediate action, but you waited and prayed about it.

Consider this: very few things in life call for an instantaneous decision on your part…Keep your cool…make delay your first strategy for avoiding chaos and crisis. Most things seem more important in the present than they actually are. Wisdom waits. Will you?

It is easy for priorities to get “out of whack” and making the choices to get back on track can sure be tough.

Is God speaking to you right now about how you are living your life?

Is time with Him the first thing you seek each new day?

Without a regular time with God, your life will be a dry and barren wilderness and everything and everyone in your life will suffer, including yourself.

Are you neglecting any of your priority people?

Is your home blossoming into a haven of rest, refreshment, beauty, and order?

Are you using the first fruits of your free time to be filled spiritually so you can serve God and His people?

When you are with other people, are they refreshed by you, receiving out of the overflowing refreshment you find in the Lord?

Are you seeking first things first every day?