How often do we as Christians read scriptures like Psalm 95:6-7 and quickly skim over the concept and say a quick little thanks to the Lord and move on? I am the first one with my hand raised. Recently God placed a burden on my heart to transform the way I pray and worship Him in my quiet time each day. I had gotten into a certain habit, you know, like half-hearted, ritual like prayer. God called me out and asked me, “Do you even mean what you’re saying right now?” “Who am I to you?” It caught me so off guard and threw a wrench in my ‘perfectly balanced/scheduled’ prayer time. I thought I was doing so well and sticking to my routine.

Now I know I’m not the only one who is busy and has so many things in my life calling my attention. I’m not the only one that hits snooze 4 times some mornings instead of waking up and talking with the Lord. We all go through seasons where it seems like we have to really fight for our time with the Lord and then others when it just seems natural. Working for Believe is the biggest blessing in my life because I’m constantly engaged in conversations about Jesus and what place He should have in our lives. I lead Bible studies and do one-on-one discipleship everyday with women who are growing and encourage me so much. I have a million things to be thankful for.

So that morning when God called me out, I couldn’t help but wonder, am I missing the point? God’s greatest commandment is to Love Him. Love Him. What does that look like? Delighting in each moment spent in His presence. Not rushing it because you need to be somewhere. Have you ever been with a friend or loved one and really wanted to just spend quality time with them? Then something comes up and they rush it and leave too soon? It doesn’t feel great. I do not want my time with God, my Savior, Father and Best Friend to be rushed or insignificant because my agenda for the day seems more important. If He is my Everything and all I need is Him, why doesn’t my quiet time reflect that?

Read Psalm 95:6-7 again. The first part says, ‘Let us BOW down in worship, let us KNEEL before our Maker…’ Have you ever read verses like this and actually done what it says? Bowing down before God is a sign of humility and reverence for who He is and who we are. We are His creation, He is our Creator. We are less, He is more. He deserves every praise. He alone is Worthy.

I have been more intentional lately about seeking Him with my WHOLE heart. He’s given me so much joy and peace in the midst of a changing world, difficult situations, and distant relationships. If He really is all we need, does our quiet time reflect that? Are we desperate for Him? Are we intentionally pursuing growth in our personal walks with Him? I don’t want to live a mediocre life with fluffy ideals and half-hearted pursuit. I am all in. 100%. I am His. He is mine. Be encouraged today to spend quality time with our Savior. He deserves our best, our everything.

Melissa Gravlin