Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

“Oops upside your head, said oops upside yo’ head.” While God’s Word will comfort you, give you joy, restore your peace, embolden your faith for challenges ahead—His Word can also cut and punch you with truth.  As much as Voices Against the Grain is a platform/vehicle to share God’s truth that may punch you, believe it can punch me too, at times. Sometimes I’ll read a passage and will be like, “oh my goodness. He got me today.”

Such is the message from this morning’s devotional from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. The devotionals are rooted in scripture and presented in the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. Today’s message encourages us to “steal away” and carve out time with God before everyone else gets our time in this busy world in which we live. Most times, I set aside my early mornings and late nights for Him—yet, I recall mornings where I rise, thank Him for the new morning, say a quick prayer, begin my day and dash to a meeting. This is not the quality time the “First Man” in my life deserves.  The fact is, I ENJOY my time with Him. Sometimes I get perturbed when I can’t get that time in with Him because something else requires my immediate attention. Fortunately, He is forgiving and doesn’t withhold His love from me. He also knows the intentions of our hearts despite the tempo and demands of this world placed upon us.

Isaiah 55:6 reminds us to, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” (New International Version)

Here’s this morning’s devotional from Sarah Young:

COME AWAY WITH ME  for a while. The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold. Most people put Me on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me. But the longer people push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find Me.

You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity.

I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. However, you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you. Moreover, as you walk close to me, I can bless others through you.

Accompanying Scriptures: Luke 10:41-42, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42- but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her.”

The world will keep spinning like a top with all of its “busyness.” The emails, text messages, chiming meeting reminders, voice messages, to-do lists, will be there awaiting your reply. Seek first the quietness and stillness of God who will order your steps calmly and joyfully in the chaos. Make him your priority.