2 Timothy 2:1-14 | You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. – Psalm 63:1
I have attended many midnight shut-ins as well as six am congregational prayer sessions. Psalms 63:1, which says, “I seek you,” has been one Scripture I thought of to justify my getting out of bed to pray during early hours I considered inconvenient. I associated seeking God early or earnestly with specific times like midnight and dawn. Until God asked me, Why do you limit me? Why not also seek me early in situations you face in everyday life?
Psalm 63:1 is speaking in terms of time, but also regarding situations and circumstances. Scripture encourages us to cultivate our relationship with God in our youth, rather than pushing off that relationship until later in our lives. Whatever the circumstance, God wants us to seek Him rather than exhaust all other options. “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
College students and others have an intrinsic desire to stake claims in life and prove their independence. Now is the time to explore and interact with the world. Will we attempt to take on life by ourselves without seeking guidance or help from anyone, including God? —Juwan Easley
How can you make prayer your first response rather than a last resort?
God, guide us early so we can navigate life with Your guidance, wisdom, protection, and peace.