When Life Gets Crooked, Choose What Really Matters

Well, my stars, look at you comin’ on up here to this ol’ front porch and set a spell on this ol’ front porch, friend, before that ol’ hound dog decides your chair looks better than his nap spot and that lil’ woodpecker starts tappin’ on the post like he’s collectin’ rent. Isn’t it somethin’ how easy it’s to get life all tangled up tighter than fishin’ line in a briar patch? We start thinkin’ if we don’t wear the right thing, own the right thing, or accomplish the right thing, we’ll be worth about as much as an ol’ screen door on a submarine.

But God sho’-nuff’ never told us to be buildin’ our lives on appearances, applause, or accessories.

Romans 14:17 says,  “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This verse reminds us what that the kingdom of God is really about. That means the truest treasures in life can’t just be bought with a paycheck, parked in a driveway, or hung on a wall. They’re downright gifts God grows in a surrendered heart.

A heap of folks live mighty scared of rejection, failure, and not measuring up. They plum act like if one dream falls apart the whole wagon’s bound to roll into the creek. But that’s a lie fear likes to tell ‘em. Your worth wasn’t never fastened to human approval. It was sho’-nuff’ settled by God long ago.

That’s why Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we chase God first, the clutter starts losin’ its shine. Peace takes a seat at the table. Joy slips in through the kitchen door. The Holy Spirit plum teaches us what really matters.

Father, You know how easily I can believe the wrong things about success and worth. Teach me to seek what matters most. Fill me with righteousness, peace, and joy through Your Holy Spirit. Help me live today in a way that pleases You and frees my heart from chasing things that cannot satisfy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now then, ease on down and right on back into your day, friend, and don’t you go lettin’ the world hitch its measurin’ tape to your soul. You’re not here to shine like a polished tractor at the county fair while your heart runs on empty. You’re here to be walkin’ with God, lovin’ what is good, and livin’ with peace that doesn’t rattle when life bumps the table. So, if the world starts to hollerin’ about status, smile like an ol’ sly fox that found the henhouse locked and keep on seekin’ Jesus. He’ll give you what matters most, and that treasure won’t rust, wilt, or skedaddle off into the woods.

With joy,

Gwen