Scripture speaks of many voices according to 1 Corinthians 14:10. I will take the liberty to apply this contextually to our current world and our daily priorities. Metaphorically, the voices can be likened to all the “things” that call to us. As we go about our day, many voices cry out for our attention. These voices are significant in that they are worthy of attention and should not be ignored. Our children, our jobs, and our communities all cry out for our limited attention. We are bombarded with mental stimuli through our many technological advances which introduce new mediums of communication almost daily. We find ourselves trying to find a place of balance and peace as we prioritize the many demands for our time.
How do I balance my daily priorities? I don’t. As I seek after God, I allow him to prioritize my life. It could be the gray hair that seems to speak to me each morning about the frailty of life that makes me hesitant to live without his guidance. In Psalm 39:4, the psalmist asks the LORD to help him to know his end and the measure of his days. He asks God to help him understand how fragile life was. Knowing this puts life into its proper perspective. There is a desperation in my heart to know Most High God, to be recognized by him, to follow him and to accomplish my created purpose. However, without His daily guidance, even my God-inspired goals become just another voice, so I make his voice the one voice that is a priority over all others.
As the deer pants for the water; my soul, my mind, will, emotions and intellect, thirst to know him (Psalm 42:1). Everything I need is in my pursuit of the Heavenly Father. He has the wisdom I need to complete every task that he has assigned me. He knows the length of my days and my human frailties and propensities. He sees what I cannot see and can prepare me for the pitfalls. When my heart is overwhelmed, he is the rock that is higher than my situation and circumstance. Being anchored to the sure foundation which is Jesus Christ, allows me to stand firm in places where I could easily be shaken (Psalm 61:2). When I feel hopeless, he is my hope and my song. His infusion of joy gives me strength. How I wished that I had given him more than a heady acknowledgment in my youth. What would my life look like if I had served him fully and ultimately all the days of my life? What would your life look like if you made him the object of your affections and not the things you desire that he do for you? What if His voice was your priority.
Scriptures:
Psalm 42:1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
Psalm 61:1 To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
1 Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.
Lamentations 3:25-30 The Message (MSG) 25 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times. 28-30 When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst.