Desiring Christ Alone- 5 tips When Other Things Seem More Important

Faith, Contentment, Marriage, Christian Living, Lifestyle

What do I really want in my life? This question challenged me today as I have had so many concerns on my heart.

Along with the regular morning routine of getting the girls breakfast, picking up the house and trying to remain sane. I was worried about a situation at my husband’s work. Thinking about how the situation would pan out. I felt his stress and wondered how today was going for him.

I was also thinking about my own pursuits. Whether or not I would start a blog. If I did what would I write about? Would anyone read it? How could it help others?

So when I sat down for my quiet time with the Lord. I have to admit I was distracted by all this chatter going on in my mind. Perhaps you can relate?

My Bible fell open to Psalm 73. Disclaimer: normally I don’t just randomly open my Bible and expect it to be exactly what I need to hear. But today it was like the Holy Spirit had taken out His highlighter and underlined verse 25.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

Nothing I desire besides you. Nothing.  

Lord is that possible right now?

How easy it is to think that I need something other than Christ. If only I had a closer more intimate relationship with my husband. If only my children go to that school, and are thriving.  

Sometimes even simple things get me.

If only I could get that tufted bench I have saw. If only I could just lose those extra 2o lbs of what I charmingly call “pregnancy weight.” Then I would be a lot happier and more satisfied.

As I read the verse my instinct was to pull away from such an exclusive claim.

Does nothing include my husband’s work situation, my children getting the best education and even that little tufted bench? Lord can’t those things be included?

I mean who wouldn’t want to have a happy marriage, thriving kiddos and a beautiful home, while also fitting into my skinny jeans? Aren’t these good things?

Hasn’t God called us as women to love our husbands, love and nurture our children, make a pleasant home for our families, and take care of ourselves physically?

Absolutely! But God’s calls us first and foremost to Himself.

There is nothing besides you I desire. As I read I wondered was that true of me right now. I felt like I was still clinging to my own desires. I prayed. Lord you always have my best at heart. I have resisted before and gained nothing. Lord help me desire nothing besides you.

Oh how those other things lose their power when they meet the only one who is worthy. I felt my heart soften and grow in affection.

Lord thank you for loving me so much that you are reminding me of what is true and what is best.

If you are like me and prone to cling to other things rather than knowing He alone is enough, here are 5 tips for drawing near.

1. Start by coming near to Christ- Surrender all of yourself, your desires, ambitions, and dreams to him today.

2. Confess any known areas of weakness- any specific areas that have come to mind.

Prayer: Lord I am really struggling to treasure you above (insert whatever you are struggling with here). Help me to see you as so much more valuable.

3. Replace fear by believing what’s true.

Usually when I am clinging to other things more than Christ it is because I am believing some lie about it.

I am believing that person, relationship, status, or accomplishment will give me something greater than what Christ has to offer. 

Replace any fear you may have of letting go with these truths:

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm37:4

“No good thing will He withhold from Him who walks uprightly.”  Psalm 84:11

4. Ask for His help. God knows that we will experience the most joy when we are resting in Him.

It pleases Him when we desire Him first. But even for that we need His help.

Prayer: Dear Lord please help me to treasure you above all else. You are worthy of my love and affection. Please be first in my life.

5. Make it a daily habit. Daily invite Him to be on the throne in your life.

Remember that you were bought at a price and your life is hidden with Christ. He is worthy!

Prayer: Thank Him for not letting you cling to lesser things but for drawing you back to Himself.

What sweet peace filled my heart this morning! What joy to remember I have everything I need.

You are enough.

This is the way I needed to start my day and I hope it encouraged you too.

P.S. I would love to hear ways that you have felt God calling you to a place of greater surrender lately. Please share below and let us know you were here to visit!! ☺