Julie's Devotions
To GOD be the Glory
Important Matters
Hear this devotion read by Julie
After introducing himself, the teacher took a large glass jar and put it on a table in front of him. He proceeded to fill it with golf ball size river rocks. He asked us, “Is it full?” We all replied, “Yes.” Then he pulled out a sack of pebbles and poured it into the jar, shaking it a little to make sure that all the open spaces were filled. Then he said, “Now is it full?” We all replied, “Yes, it’s full now!” He proceeded to pour a pan of sand into the glass jar of rocks and pebbles. The sand sifted down into all the cracks and crevices. He asked again, “What do you think?” We all said, “Oh, yes, now it’s completely full!”
He gave the analogy of the jar being our lives. The large rocks are the important things such as your walk with God, your loved ones, and your family. The pebbles are your career, home, car, etc… The sand is symbolic of everything else. The rocks are important matters. If you fill your life with sand or small stuff first, you have no time or space for the bigger, most important matters.
The Lord reminded me of what He taught the disciples about the most important matter in this life. He said, “Seek first your heavenly Father’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Mat.6:33). He promises me that as I delight in Him, He will give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4).
My focus requires some inner strength to purposely devote my time, money and attention to those matters that are important to Jesus. As I set my mind on things that are large to God, things of eternal value, I become focused and content with the most important matters. My life becomes profitable to God, others and myself.
Apostle Paul instructs Timothy: “Tell God’s people not to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Tim.6:17-19).
Father, help me to stay focused on the important matters not involving my life in the small stuff. Quicken my spirit to become aware of insignificant hindrances to my walk with You. Reveal to me everything of importance to You, in the precious Name of Jesus.
Julie, this illustration is a very good one to apply to our dally patterns of living. We are often getting distracted too easily with the "busyness" of our inconsequential, petty routines. As a result, when bigger issues arise, and have to be dealt with, we're unable to respond quickly enough to seize the moments of opportunity God brings to us in those instances. Thank you for taking your time to write and share these insights.
Thank you Jay! This teaching was a great reminder for me as well. Sometimes it seems as though the sand and pebbles, I call the small stuff falls into my jar more quickly than I can place my priorities. I’ve found these are not surprises to Jesus Who has all the answers. Blessings to you, Julie 🙏🌈
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