Jesus is the Best Thing

WEEKLY OVERVIEW

In our first week of Catalyst, we’ll explore seven answers to the heart’s most important question: “Why?” Until we understand why spending time alone with God every day is worth the time and energy it takes, we’ll never be able to develop consistency or go as deep into God’s presence as we were created for. May you realize both the depth of your need and the goodness and availability of your Father as you discover your why.

DEVOTIONAL

Of all the amazing gifts God gives us, boundless and unhindered relationship with Jesus vastly exceeds them all. Jesus is the best thing we will ever know. His love restores, satisfies, transforms, and heals. His grace empowers and brings transcendent peace. His nearness resolves the great fears of our hearts. And his kingship calls us to a right lifestyle of living for heaven rather than a pursuit of that which is worldly and fleeting. Colossians 3:1–4 says,

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

You and I have limited space in our hearts. Often, we’re too busy filling ourselves up with the things of the world to leave space for the best thing. It’s for that reason Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” When we make space to be filled with the presence of God, to sit at the feet of Jesus, every other good thing God longs to give us will be added to our lives. It’s the promise of an all-powerful, good God. And when we make space to “seek the things that are above,” we properly see and prioritize that which is below, filling our lives with purpose and clarity. 

The best way to seek first the kingdom of God, the most foundational rhythm we could develop, is to set our hearts on Jesus at the start of each day. Before the world entices us, before the cares of work, life, and family have a chance to fill up the capacity of our hearts, we need to experience the love, peace, and rest that comes from sitting at the feet of our Savior. 

Unless we make room for the best thing, unhindered communion with God, our hearts will become filled up with that which will never satisfy, that which will tether us to a world that is no longer our home. Every morning, we wake up to a split road. We will either choose to seek God first and walk the path of communion with the Spirit, or we’ll choose the path of the world and join the masses searching for fulfillment in that which is fleeting, that which is folly. The first step we take on that road often determines the direction of our entire day. 

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Too few choose the path God lays before them that leads to abundant life. Too few experience the fullness of joy that comes from filling up on the best thing. But you have the choice. You have the ability to experience Jesus right now. You have the choice to walk the path the Good Shepherd has laid out before you with him at your side. You have the choice every day to prioritize your relationship with God and experience the fullness of life Jesus died to give you.

Choose today to fill up on the best thing, the presence of God, and discover what it’s like to live full and satisfied, experiencing a lifestyle of God adding every good thing to you as you seek him first. 

GUIDED PRAYER

1. Reflect for a moment on the split road you face each morning. Reflect on the differences between God’s path and the path of the world. Come to terms with the reality of the decision that only you can make every day, and think for a moment about the rewards that lie at the end of each path. 

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15–17).

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

2. What things of the world have you been pursuing? In what ways has the world crowded out space that was meant solely for the things of God? Journal your thoughts. 

3. Ask God to give you the grace to choose the best thing. Take time right now to receive the presence of Jesus. Ask Jesus to reveal his heart to you. Ask the Spirit for a vision of what he wants your day to look like as you walk the path of communion with him. Allow God to draw you toward his ways and surrender whatever hinders your journey to wholehearted devotion. 

“But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

GO . . .

You have a very real enemy whose chief objective is to draw you away from experiencing God. He does that by tempting you to sin in efforts to separate you from God. He does that by enticing you to spend all your time on that which is good to keep you from that which is best. He knows your past. He knows your tendencies. But his pull is not stronger than the love of God. His ability to draw your sight to the world is not more powerful than God’s ability to draw your eyes to heaven. Rest in the fact that God is drawing you—God is pursuing you. Recognize the schemes of the enemy in your life. And celebrate that you can choose every day to live filled with the presence of God.