Sunday, September 7, 2014

By: Gwen Hitt

What Really Matters!

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.

While traveling home yesterday from Texas, my husband and I had a discussion about what we feel really matters in life. Now, since I didn't allow myself to include the necessity of having something sweet after every meal, he couldn't include his before bedtime snack of FIVE scoops of chocolate ice-cream topped with chocolate syrup, pecans, and whipped cream - lol!!!

Actually, the list that we developed was very short.    In fact, we ended up with only one thing that truly matters ... our relationship with God.

Today's scripture provides three important benefits of placing God first in our lives. The first two benefits pertain to our earthly existence ... He promises to direct our paths and to fill us with unspeakable joy in His presence. The third benefit --- and definitely one of great importance --- offers the guarantee of spending eternity with Him!

Sadly, many individuals fail to realize that a relationship with God CAN fill the gaping holes in their lives that they are so desperately trying to fill. We were created by Him with the intent of remaining in close relationship with Him. He knows the desires of our hearts ... He knows what we are lacking ... He desires to give us what we need.

My challenge to you today is to always realize that true happiness comes from God. Strive to build an even stronger relationship with Him through reading His Word and spending more time in prayer. Know that He desires for you to experience the ultimate pleasure of a life devoted to Him.

Dear Lord, You alone can really satisfy the desires of my heart. I thank You for the wonderful plans that You have for my life. Forgive me for the times that I have wandered away from You. Help me to always find my way back to the true source of my happiness.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.

Reflection: How would you answer the question of WHAT REALLY MATTERS to you?