5 Steps to Help You Take God With You When You Leave the Table

The morning is quiet and the coffee is hot. I sit in my favorite chair with my worn leather Bible on the table in front of me, pen poised to record the Spirit’s work in my journal. The aroma of the presence of God is so sweet, His voice so clear.

Then life happens.

The kids all wake up on the wrong side of the bed. My husband rushes out the door in a huff. The baby cries all morning. The dishes in the sink from the night before mock me with their crusted sauces. I step on a Cheerio, trip over a pile of laundry, and hit my head on a cabinet someone left open.

It’s gone. The praises have turned to filtered Christian-cuss. The sweet aroma is replaced by an unpleasant odor coming from the kitchen. The voice of God is drowned out by negative self-talk. I am a failure.

“It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.” (Romans 7:21 NLT)

Have you ever been there? You get up from a heavenly feast only to find yourself starving for the presence of God a few hours later. It leaves me defeated, wondering how the Truth from the early morning can possibly last all day.

There isn’t a magic formula for staying holy all day. But there are a few things we can do to take Truth with us when we get up from the table.

Slow Down

Read the Word a little slower. It’s not about quantity. Allow God’s Word time to percolate deep into your heart. Rewrite the verse you like best. Say it in your own words. Try to think of a way this particular Scripture applies to your present-day life. Imagine a scenario in which this passage could change the way you respond or believe.

Take It With You

It’s hard to leave a great vacation without stopping by the souvenir shop. That sand dollar or coffee mug reminds you of your special trip. We can leave the table with souvenirs that bring us back. Consider writing a verse or thought on a sticky note to serve as a reminder throughout the day. Music can also draw us to the Savior. Memorize key verses. Scripture memory is like “chewing” on a passage to get the maximum benefit from its truths.

Posture Your Heart

When we rise from the table, it is crucial to check the posture of our hearts. Submitting to the will of God will help us carry the Truth with us. I am guilty more times than I care to admit of jumping up from the table without praying for His presence to fill my day. When I submit to His will, it leaves me open to experience His work—both in me and through me—the rest of the day.

It’s All About Love

When it comes down to it, it’s all about love. A woman in love will spend the day thinking of her man, longing to be with him. In the same way, consistent time with God will cultivate a deeper love for Him. As we fall deeper in love with God, it won’t be quite so hard to remember our time with Him. We will think of Him, His words, and His will throughout the day.

And Grace

We will inevitably stumble. Even with reminders, prayer, and determination of steel, there will be times when we fall back into old routines or find ourselves tangled in fresh troubles. Remember that the righteousness of Christ covers us. Because of Christ, God no longer counts the sins of His people against us (2 Cor. 5:19). We strive to become more like Christ each day, but spiritual development still happens slowly, over the course of years. God’s grace gives us time to grow.

Someone wisely said, “The trouble with life is, it’s so daily.” You can’t get away from the dishes, the kids, the daily-ness of life. We can, however, have God’s presence with us throughout the day.

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Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man 17 years ago. She has three energetic blessings, ages 1 to 11. Her favorite indulgences are coffee, reading, writing, and running.  Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.

 

Photograph used with permission from, and copyright of, Michelle Lenger.