Photo Courtesy: Ben White at Splasher

Idolatry existed in Biblical times and it still is apparent in today’s world.

At a social gathering this past weekend, a middle-aged woman kept telling me how much rest she needed from her ‘crazy schedule’ at work and home. She appeared exhausted, preoccupied and anxious about her day-to-day business.  Because I am quite familiar with today’s fast-paced lifestyle and worldly views, I listened attentively and prayed silently for her to sit at the feet of Jesus more often.

The middle-aged woman who complained about her busy schedule at the social gathering was ‘me’!

As I reflect over the past three weeks of Micah’s bible study, I soon realized ‘busyness’ is a common distractor for most of us. Our schedules may be considered as an idol if these activities take priority over our relationship with Jesus. I tend to drift away from the Lord when life gets too busy and my schedule is overcrowded with appointments, work meetings, errands and other demands.

An overcrowded schedule will not allow us to hear the soft whispers of the Holy Spirit. Our flesh will be vulnerable and we may easily fall into temptation(s) or be deceived by the enemy’s lies. If we do not make time for God’s Word, then the Holy Spirit will not have the opportunity to encourage or counsel our hearts. Our lives will never be transformed.

Lord, help me clear out my daily schedule so I may dig deeper into your Word one day at a time.

Even though the Israelites sinned by worshipping false gods in Biblical times, our Lord loved on them and waited patiently for them to repent. He is still the ‘same’ patient, merciful, compassionate and forgiving God today.

Lord, please forgive me for ‘being too busy’ in life. Help me worship and glorify You in all I do. I want a heart just like King Hezekiah who genuinely loved You.

Lord, search my heart and forgive all of my unconfessed sins, help me follow your commandments and love on me today. You pursued me relentlessly until I surrendered my heart at the foot of the Cross.

Please demolish all of the idols in my life today.
Help me rest at the feet of Jesus more often.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all of my inmost beings, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all of your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems  your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires  with good things so that your youth is renewed like eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5 NIV

“For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:9 NIV

“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” Psalm 145:16 NIV

He is the One who forgives, heals, redeems, loves and satisfies the core of our souls. Idolatry or worshipping false gods is just a temporary fix and will never satisfy us.

King Hezekiah praised and loved God with all of his heart, mind, and soul. Let us pray we have the heart to love God greatly. He is our only hope and security in the midst of confusion, turmoil, and darkness that exist in today’s world.

Let us pray for our daily schedules to allow us to read and reflect on His Word every day. In Jesus’ name, we boldly pray.

Amen.