Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. —Matthew 6:33-34

We live in a fast-paced society where at times we can become seduced by a culture that takes our mind off the Lord. To keep in touch with Jesus we must slow down our fierce pace and give Jesus our time and attention. This prayer has helped me for years with my tendency to over commit my life to unimportant things and leave God on the sideline.

Slow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny. Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed. Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

—Orin D. Crain

GOING DEEPER:
1. After reading Matthew 6:33-34 what does the Bible suggest be our first priority?

2. Are your priorities in proper perspective? Take a few minutes to give God your priorities and seek His kingdom first.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 3:5-6