In his book “The Three Mile an Hour God,” Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama tells about a large pine tree that he walks past every day in New Zealand. It is a towering and imposing tree, ancient in appearance. Every day as he passes it, he touches it in the same spot, and in that touching he would feel grounded for the day, that time was progressing as as normal.

We all have points of regularity and comfort that we set up in our lives to do the same thing. Where it may not be touching a tree, it may be a daily routine, elements of media intake, a conversation with a friend, the list of possibilities is almost inexhaustible.

But what we must ultimately come back to, says Kosuke, is to the simple truth of Matthew 6:33, to seek first God, His kingdom and His righteousness. There is no grounding apart from God. There is no routine or perception of regularity that can replace or supplant that place in our life that only God can hold.

So, I asked myself this morning -and I would encourage you to allow god to sweep out the corners of your heart, too- what am I using to “ground” myself, what points of comfort am I seeking that are not Jesus Christ. If they are identified, then the Lord can cast down another idol in my life.

I need to seek first Jesus, and Jesus alone.
I need to seek first His kingdom, not mine.
I need to live under His control, not my poor facsimile.

Pause for a few moments and ask God to help you identify your false comforts, to cast down yet another idol your heart has set up.
Repent and turn your eyes upon Jesus again today.

1. Seek First God’s Kingdom in Your Daily Routine

• Take a moment today to reflect on your daily habits. Are you grounding yourself in God’s presence, or have other routines taken priority? Ask God to reveal any distractions and to refocus your heart on seeking Him first.
• Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

2. Evaluate the Idols in Your Life

• As you lead your congregation, remember to pause and ask the Lord to reveal anything that has taken His place in your life. Regularly evaluate the comforts and routines that you rely on, and surrender them to Christ as you seek to live under His lordship.
• Scripture: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21

3. Return to Jesus for Your Grounding

• Consider what practices in your life you depend on for comfort. Today, let Jesus be your sole source of grounding and strength. Ask Him to sweep out anything that may have subtly become an idol, and renew your commitment to seeking His kingdom.
• Scripture: “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways.” — Psalm 119:37
  

Get “Three Mile an Hour God” here: https://amzn.to/4e8QaVN

Get my 28 day devotional guide “My Daily Disciplines” here: https://amzn.to/4fmnIjX