What does it mean to love God?  Loving God is not a passive feeling, but it takes effort to develop a relationship with him and grow in faith. We are busy people and it’s easy to be consumed with life.  Before long, we have left out the one who has given us life.  With so many distractions in the world today, it takes persistence to love God.  Joshua 23:11 states “So take diligent heed to yourselves to love the LORD your God.”

Here are a few ways to be diligent at loving God:

• Set Aside Quality Time – This is a special time to focus on who God is, not just petitioning him for requests. It’s a time of listening to find out what is in his heart, including spending time alone with him, meditating on scripture, and worship. There’s a story in the bible about two sisters. One sister, Martha, was busy working and serving Jesus. The other sister, Mary, sat at the feet of Jesus.  Martha got upset with her sister and complained to Jesus, but Jesus said that Mary was doing what was best and necessary with her time.  In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

• Quickly Confess sin and Repent – We all miss the mark, but it’s that strong desire and decision to not remain buried by sin, but to receive correction, cleansing, and forgiveness that pleases God. I John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

• Choose to Obey and Align with Scripture, Even If It’s Hard – Obedience shouldn’t be mechanical and legalistic, but something that flows naturally from a heart that strives to please God.  Our obedience should originate from our hearts out of reverence, gratitude, and a personal relationship with him.  I Kings 8:61 “Let your heart therefore be wholly devoted to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.”

PRAY THIS PRAYER – Dear Lord, I praise you for your unfailing love toward us.  Forgive us when we’ve failed to glorify you in thoughts, words, attitudes, and actions.  Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. Thank you for your tender mercies and grace.  Fill us with the Holy Spirit and fire! Help us to cultivate our love and devotion to you.  We surrender and dedicate ourselves to you in Jesus name. Amen.