Mr. Thomas cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to have to do this, Ellen, but I don’t have a choice.”

Don’t say it. Please, don’t say it! Ellen thought. She gripped the chair’s armrests as she sat across from her boss.

“There’ve been a lot of budget cutbacks.” He looked down, fidgeted with papers on his desk, and cleared his throat again. “I’m going to have to let you go.”

____

In this fictional story, how do you envision Ellen handling this unexpected crisis? How would you respond to this – or an equally stressful event?

Do you think Ellen’s (or your) response would be influenced by whether she (you) had been spending regular time with God?

Even when I have regular quiet times, I don’t always respond to difficulty the way I wish I would. But as I resolve to pray and read my Bible every day, my relationship with my heavenly Father grows deeper, and I have less anxiety in life’s stresses.

Why do I talk so often about spending regular time with God? For three main reasons.

First, we never know what our future holds. Even a moment from now, our lives could change in dramatic ways.

Second, we need strength and comfort when we’re struggling and counsel when we’re confused.

Third, even in the good seasons, getting to know our Father more intimately will only enhance our lives and our relationships.

There’s no downside to pursuing God. He loves us more than anyone else ever could or will. He knows everything about us and our future. And He, Almighty God, longs to spend time with us!

Read Psalm 27:8 (ESV) and let these words shape your mindset:

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

What stressful events are you facing today? How are your responses to these events influenced by the time you spend (or don’t spend) with God?

Life is hard enough. With all the chaos the world throws at us, I cringe to think about how overwhelming it would be if we didn’t seek God’s presence in prayer and in His Word.

Beginning today, choose to seek God’s face. Seek Him earnestly in your heart, beyond just seeking answers to your prayers. Try this for one full month and see how it transforms the way you handle life’s stresses.

Even better, watch how much more you fall in love with – and revere – Almighty God.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

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