Putting God First
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”
- Ezra 7:10 (ESV)
Do you ever find yourself making excuses for not spending time in God’s Word?
I know I do. When my girls were little, I felt like I had no capacity to sit down and read my Bible. Then they got older, and the excuses simply changed. Activities, schedules, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists filled the space. There always seemed to be a reason to put time with God off until later. Yet, God continues to invite us to meet with Him. Some days that looks like sitting quietly with a cup of coffee and an open Bible. Other days it may be a devotional on our phone or a Scripture sent through email. What matters is not perfection but a heart that continually turns toward Him. One person who modeled this well was Ezra. In Ezra 7, we find him stepping into a significant moment of God’s story. After the temple had been completed, dedicated, and the Passover celebrated, Ezra received a letter from the king granting resources for God’s work. More importantly, Ezra had something far greater than influence or provision—he had the hand of God upon his life. Why? Ezra 7:10 gives us the answer. He had devoted himself to studying God’s Word, obeying it, and teaching it to others. Ezra was known as a man of prayer and a man of the Word. Before God used him publicly, He shaped him privately. Before the opportunities came, Ezra invested in his relationship with the Lord. There is great hope in that truth. The same God who guided Ezra is guiding us. The same God who equipped Ezra can equip us. We may feel too busy, too distracted, or too overwhelmed, but God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for our hearts. Hope is found when we make room for Him. Hope grows when we open His Word and allow Him to speak into our circumstances. Hope increases when we remember that God is still working, still leading, and still preparing good things ahead for those who seek Him. Maybe today is the day to stop making excuses and simply spend a few moments with the Lord. Open your Bible. Read a verse. Sit in His presence. Listen for His voice. He is waiting for you. He knows your name. And as you spend time with Him, He will fill your heart with the hope that only He can give.
Prayer
Papa God, thank You for loving me and continually inviting me into relationship with You. Forgive me for the excuses I make when life gets busy. Help me prioritize time in Your Word and grow in my understanding of who You are. Give me a heart like Ezra - a heart devoted to prayer, obedience, and Scripture. Fill me with hope as I seek You and remind me that You are preparing the way ahead.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.