Put God’s needs first

“So... he began, leaning forward in his chair, eyes fixed on hers, How are you doing?”
She had to stop and think; His unconditional love sometimes made it hard to recognize and remember her faults, but when she did stop and take inventory it gave her reason to blush. His love was wonderful! To think that he loved her no matter what she did... she was ever so thankful for that! But... if she truly loved him, why could she not take herself more in hand? Why was she constantly tripping up? The question plagued her and she felt tears welling in her eyes. She brushed them away angrily. Why was she always crying? And for him to see her falling apart – it was embarrassing. Her father moved closer and took her hands in his own. She felt the warmth and strength of his grasp and looked up to meet his gaze. A warm shock spread through her body at seeing that his own eyes were filled with tears as well. “Oh Papa!” She breathed, the floodgates opened and she knelt in front of him and wept on his knee. He didn’t chide her or attempt to stem the flow of emotion, he only whispered soothing words of comfort, gently stroking her hair and her back. He lifted his own tear-stained face toward heaven, silently asking the Giver of wisdom to endue him with words by which to comfort and instruct his beloved daughter. As he settled back in his chair a quiet peacefulness stole over him and he was reminded of a devotional he had read just days before. It had been based on the text found in Hebrews 10, verse 9, which states, “ Behold, I have come to do Thy will O God.”
The writer had went on to elaborate that Jesus’ obedience was to do the will of His Father, Almighty God. Everyone has a list of things that they feel must be done, or changed, or accomplished. But we cannot do anything in our own strength...it must be God at work in us. (Matthew 19:26 and Philippians 2:13) “Darling, he spoke quietly, after her sobbing had subsided, May I ask you something?” She raised her face to him and nodded her assent.
“Have you been careful lately to see to it that God’s needs are met before all else in your life?” A look of perplexity crossed her face, and he could see that she was considering the question deeply. Her voice was very quiet as she murmered the question, half to herself,
“God.... has needs?!”
He went on, “We all do have things that we want to accomplish in order for His kingdom to come in our lives and in the lives of others, but sometimes we can get so caught up in doing the work of God that we neglect the one thing that He desires most in each of us, the thing that we need most, in fact that which is absolutely essential to His work being carried out through us. Time with Him. He wants a relationship with us. With me. With you. He wants us first of all to fall in love with Him. To desire Him above all others, people, interests, even duties. Seek ye first..the kingdom of God..and it all begins with Him.
When something or someone is foremost in your mind, don’t you find that other cares and interests don’t matter as much? As he spoke, he saw her countenance begin to brighten and he could tell she was beginning to understand what he was talking about. There was a warm flood of joy in his heart at being able to instruct his daughter toward God’s purpose in her life and he sent up a prayer of silent thanksgiving for this now. She rose and seated herself on his knee, leaning on his chest she embraced him and spoke softly, “Thank you dear Papa, for teaching me.. it is just what I needed to hear this morning.” He returned her embrace and as they arose together he added, “Jesus said, “Tarry...until ye are endued with power from on high..” (Luke 24:49) Why don’t you go out into the garden now and spend some time alone with Him. He is longing for you...don’t keep Him waiting. Her face was joyful as she kissed her father. With eyes shining with renewed hope she hurried from the room, collected her wraps and her little Bible and went out. 