Digging Deeper: Turn to Jesus First
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT)
TURN TO JESUS FIRST
Let’s be honest: when things get tough, most of us don’t seek the Lord first. I know my go-to first reaction when the hard rolls in is to freak out. I have a PhD in catastrophizing (insert faceplate emoji here). If it’s an unhappy email from a work colleague, a misunderstanding with someone in my family or abnormal test results from the doctor, the first thing my mind does is go straight to the worst-case scenario. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200.
Over the years, through lots of prayer and intentionality, I have gotten better at more quickly turning my thoughts to the One who will give peace and bring answers. I have given myself the grace to feel the feelings but quickly ask God what His truths are considering the circumstances. I have a routine each morning when I meet with Jesus that includes affirmations of who He says I am. When I am reminded each day that I am known, seen, loved, cherished, redeemed, held, enough, valued, wanted, called, anointed, appointed, and set apart it helps me to stand more firmly when the wind begins to blow. My mind more quickly shifts from catastrophizing to remembering – who He is, who he says I am, all he has done for me – and I trust that He’s not going to stop now. When the hard hits, let’s be intentional about locking eyes with Jesus first, or at least more quickly, because he is our strength!
PRAY
Jesus thank you that you never tire of us not seeking you first. Thank you for your patience with us when we eventually come to you weary and worn down from the troubles we are facing. You meet us right there in the middle of it, and pick us up and carry us through. Help us to seek you first. Remove in us the tendency to panic or seek resolutions from anything other than you. Set our hearts on fire for more of you Jesus! In your name I pray- Amen
Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.