Seek Him First.. By Nina Keegan

A Habit by definition is a recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. 

I have read where it only takes 21 days to make or break a habit.

(Matthew 6:33)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

This verse in Matthew tells us not just to seek God... But to seek Him first! Give Him the best part of us, the first part of our days. It then states that ALL these things, good and wonderful things, like favor, blessings, and protection will be added to our lives. What an brilliant promise. Seeking God first has become my habit..my " God Habit!"

I am very much a routine kind of person. When I wake up in the morning , as if on autopilot, I  make my way toward the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, prepare for myself the daily usual, then as if all my mornings were etched in stone;  I gather together my Bible, my scripture filled journal, my cozy throw, and nestle into my favorite place on the sunroom sofa. It's there that I wholeheartedly bask in the presence of my precious Lord and Savior. It's together with Him that I declare victories, blessings, wisdom, ability, favor, protection, safety, knowledge, divine health, and discernment, for my family and friends and myself. 

 I thank God with enormous gratitude for all He has done. It's during my time of seeking His will that I learn more about Him and His plans for my life. I will absorb from God through His word, the great messages He longs for me to contemplate and receive.  I know with an undeniable certainty that my day will be far better for having spent time praising the one for whom all things are possible.

My "God habit", is one that without, my day would be very less than stellar and I would feel there to be a nondescript deficit of sorts. My time spent in prayer and reflection with God is like essential food for my soul. It jump starts my day, and fills me with abundant expectation. The word of God replenishes my faith and restores my joy. I can leave all my cares with Him and go about enjoying my day knowing that God is at work and that my morning prayers will be a glorious life line of communication, faith and trust. I pray that He gives me revelation about decisions to be made and questions I need answers to. I fervently come into agreement with God declaring that He orders my steps in the direction He would have me choose. I pray.... about absolutely everything!

(1 Corinthians 11:1 )

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

The Bible says we should strive to be more like Christ. We should be his imitators.. Jesus himself had a habit of spending time with His Father..He went off alone to pray and worship. There in the peaceful quiet, Jesus sought His Father's guidance and strength. We must always remember that God has the final say on all things we must seek Him first for direction

Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

The more time we spend with God, the more knowledge of His wisdom, character, and His unconditional love will seep into our souls and we will be forever transformed from Glory to Glory in His image to be an example to others through demonstration of His righteousness and love.

Contrarily, when my prayer routine gets altered or abandoned; it's usually a day that parades itself insufficiently in all areas. When I have not pursued my morning time with God, everything seems a bit disheveled. I feel like those days tend to be  more chaotic, a little more stressful, and things do not seem to flow as well. I can tell there has been a noticeable paradigm shift. I see subtle changes in my character. It may be harder to hold my peace or I may become more easily frustrated and less patient. It appears, on these days, 

"that I am having to do everything the hard way!" 

 I realize that I want to remain closely tethered to God... I want to be on His ordained, peaceful, and joyous path. I want to seek Him first.... Always!

Decide today that you will spend more time seeking God for His will in all you do..

I challenge you to get in the "God Habit!"

  Try seeking Him first for the next 21 days! I promise the more time you spend with Him, the greater, more faith filled, abundant and richly blessed life you will have. Do not waste another day! 

Get in the "God Habit!"