“Listen to the word of the LORD, people of Jacob — all you families of Israel! This is what the LORD says: ‘What did your ancestors find wrong with me that led them to stray so far from me? They worshiped worthless idols, only to become worthless themselves.’” Jeremiah 2:4-5 (NLT)

When I read these verses, they give me a major heart check. Idols aren’t necessarily statues that you bend down in front of to worship. Idols can be anything in your life that takes you away from spending time with the Lord. They can be good things that the Lord has blessed you with, such as a significant other, children, family , a new job, or your ministry. It can also be social media or a new hobby you started.

After having my baby I found it so hard to get alone time with the Lord. My son dealt with allergies and reflux so he was colicky and whenever he finally took a nap I wanted to feed myself, shower, do a million house chores, take a nap and then do my devotions. I rarely finished that long list of things so I always pushed aside my devotion to the next nap and the next nap until I realized I went through the whole day without speaking to the Lord. My son was a gift from the Lord but I knew I was focusing all my attention on him. Even though my son was a blessing in my life, I knew I was making him my idol.

Thankfully, Gods grace washed over me and I found any time I could to spend time with him. The Lord doesn’t need you to sit for hours with him, although, I’m sure he’ll love that. At night, instead of going on your phone, spend some time with him and open your bible on your phone. On your way to work, turn the radio off and pray. On lunch breaks, read your Bible. While you get ready, pray. While you cook or clean, worship and pray. Worship is another love language for the Lord but it still shouldn’t replace your devotions.

I always think of it this way, if the lord was my husband here on earth how would our relationship be doing? A good relationship requires communication, spending time with each other, showing each other love, and listening. He just wants to spend time with you. He wants you to open your heart to Him and allow Him to lead you in your life. The lord is a gentleman, if you give him that invitation yesterday he doesn’t expect that to be the same today. He wants you to invite him in everyday.  

So ask yourself, do I have idols in my life? If God was my husband on earth, how would our relationship be? If your answers aren’t good, don’t worry. God isn’t mad at you nor will he forsake you. Instead, God is patiently waiting for you to realize these things. He’s waiting for you with opens arms and a abundance of grace.