stay connected

We need strength, grace and joy to live a truly happy life and we can’t produce those attributes on our own. God serves as the source we need to sustain us, lift us up, and provide the inner peace we need to live in a chaotic world. He gives the peace that surpasses all understanding, which no man, woman, drug, sex or money could ever provide. Although, many make futile attempts to subsist on these vices, no one can survive long-term on vices that were never meant to fill the space in our hearts. Those heart spaces have been designated only for God. Trying to prosper off of vices brings only heartbreak, frustration, disappointment and sometimes — even death.

Change can begin by establishing a block of uninterrupted time with God that becomes a part of your daily routine. Decide what part of the day works best with your schedule. Prayer time first thing in the morning is a wonderful time to establish the atmosphere internally and externally. Connecting with God before the day begins puts you in a positive frame of mind and helps to set your attitude for the rest of the day. The evening may work better depending on your schedule.

For me, I begin with devotional time in the morning by reading a verse of scripture, talking with God and thanking Him for the day ahead. Later in the evening, I return to Him in prayer to release all of the stuff I picked up from dealing with the pressures of work, family and problems. I go to God at the end of the day to literally exchange my ashes for His beauty. I don’t want to spend the rest of my day festering on issues that may have occurred earlier in the day while walking around with a bad attitude and taking it out on the people I love. So I take it to God, meditate on His word, and I let Him minister to my heart to ensure I have peace of mind. For some, it may work better to spend time with him mid-day or right before you go to bed. The time of day doesn’t matter; the point is to get connected with your Creator. You may have to spend a few days or weeks figuring out what time of day is a better fit for you, but the point is to get daily, uninterrupted time with God.

​We all need to be refueled and reminded of who we are in Him, so we’re positioned to handle people, our purpose and issues from God’s perspective. I would highly recommend seeking God to minister to your heart so you can receive what you need, whether it’s renewal of strength or wisdom. Connecting with Him first thing in the morning before your day begins and then at the end of the day would really help keep you in a state of peace and joy, in spite of what difficulties you may be dealing with at the time.