When a loved one calls and needs help, do you think about the chores you have to do, or do you stop and help? Because they are a loved one, you stop and help them. Your love for them literally drives you to want to make their situation better. Whatever it is. If you love someone, you will make them a priority. “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬) This “love” Jesus is talking about requires action. The action is motivated by your heart. If you love the Lord first, you’re naturally going to love people and want to be His hands and feet to them. You won’t care who sees you “doing good”. You live your life for an audience of One. That’s what matters. 

To be driven by Godly desires of the heart leads to a life of peace. It doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but you will be at peace even in complete turmoil. “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Being fixed on Jesus will never disappoint. His goodness never runs out. Sometimes in life we get distracted, though. We get our eyes fixed on a certain “thing” or a certain “position”. Then our goals change. You’re not always readily available to help others in time of need. Your motivation has turned inward. Yes, you still love the Lord and you love others but you are now driven by other motives. This is where things can get a little sticky. Your heart may not be as sensitive and soft towards the things of God as it once was. Since He’s truly the only One who holds all knowledge and wisdom, you need Him. You really cannot do life successfully without His counsel. The enemy has lured you into a dangerous trap. Life is not all about personal desires. God wants to give you good gifts but He’s way more concerned about your character and your heart condition. Sometimes we need to visit our priority list and get refocused. Ask God for His grace to help you in this. King David had to do this. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬) What an awesome prayer! He’s pouring out his heart to the Lord at a time when he had gotten his eyes off of the things of God and put them elsewhere. It lead to anguish but God, in His mercy, restored him. 

Throughout history, people have chased the wind. Every shiny object, the almighty dollar and relationships that we knew in our hearts weren’t right for us. We desire to be at the top of our game when it comes to careers and worldly success. Where does this take you? We were never designed to follow such harsh task masters. God wants us to be driven for His kingdom. He will make sure we have everything we need if we keep Him in His proper place on the throne of our heart. If you’re currently on a detour and life doesn’t seem fulfilling, ask the Lord to get you back on course with Him. He will certainly honor that request. You have to start by taking inventory. What drives you?

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.