READ: PROVERBS 3:5-6; MATTHEW 6:25-33; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-20

Have you ever been so busy that you felt like you didn’t have time for God? I know I have. From school to work to extracurriculars, not to mention family and friends, sometimes it seems like my to-do list is ten miles long. In busy times, I’m easily tempted to believe I don’t have the time or energy to read my Bible, memorize Scripture, or pray and seek God’s will.

Recently I went through a season like that. I was feeling overwhelmed with difficult classes, a job opportunity, family stress, and more. I convinced myself that if I made God a priority, all the “real life” stuff wouldn’t get done.

Then one day, while I was thinking about everything I had to do—and secretly feeling a bit guilty for not putting God first—a Bible verse popped into my head. It was 2 Peter 1:3, which says, “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.”

Instantly, I felt both convicted and comforted as I realized I had gotten things totally backwards. God already has everything I need, and it’s available to me because I know Him through Jesus. By neglecting my relationship with God, I was actually making my own life harder, trying to do things on my own without first seeking His peace, strength, and guidance.

It turns out, while things like college and career decisions are important, God is a lot more interested in my spiritual growth. Not only does God want to save me through Jesus, He wants to continue helping me learn to love and obey Him. Putting Him first may not make all my dreams come true, but it does something much better. It helps me grow in my relationship with the God of the universe, and that’s where I find everything I need for life. • Faith Lewis

• What kinds of dreams and plans do you have for your life? It’s good to work hard and think about what we want, but Jesus calls us to hold our dreams with open hands. And as we press into relationship with Him, He shapes our desires and gives us rest (Psalm 127:1-2; Matthew 11:28-30).

• Has there ever been a season when you had so much to do that you found it difficult to make time for God? We all go through times like this, but God is eager to help us and provide joy, direction, strength, and much more. How could you spend intentional time with God—in His Word, in prayer, and with His people—this week?

His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (CSB)