How can we prioritize meeting with God in our busy modern lives? Why Exodus 34:23 Still Matters “Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.” (Exodus 34:23) • Ancient Israel’s calendar was built around face-to-face meetings with God. • Worship was not squeezed in; everything else revolved around it. • The command assumes life will be busy—yet still insists on deliberate, set times with the Lord. God Schedules Appointments With His People • God Himself fixes the appointment, signaling its absolute priority. • Verse 24 follows: “no one will covet your land when you go up”. The Lord promises to guard what we leave behind when we come to Him. • Principle: time given to God is never lost; He covers what we can’t. Practical Ways to Keep the Appointment Today Daily • Block a non-negotiable slot—morning, lunch, or night—on the calendar. • Guard it like any vital meeting: silence phone, close laptop, shut door. • Use a simple plan: read a passage, reflect, talk to God, listen in stillness (Psalm 46:10). Weekly • Corporate worship—“Let us not neglect meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25). • Sabbath rhythm—“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Plan errands and projects so the day stays uncluttered. • Family altar—share Scripture and prayer around the table. Seasonally • Retreat days: half-day or full-day getaways to pray, journal, and recharge. • Annual fasts or conferences to realign vision and passion. Trusting God With the To-Do List • Exodus 34:24 shows God protecting land and livelihood; He still covers deadlines, finances, and family when we choose Him first. • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” • Faith says, “God can handle my responsibilities better than I can handle them without Him.” Building Rhythms of Meeting With God Habit-forming tips: • Pair time with God to an existing routine—coffee, commute, evening walk. • Set reminders and alarms labeled with Scripture. • Keep a visible Bible or devotional where you normally reach for your phone. • Celebrate progress; note answered prayers and insights in a journal. Encouragement From Jesus’ Example “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, went out to a solitary place, and prayed there.” (Mark 1:35) • If the Savior carved out space amid crowds and miracles, so can we. • Luke 10:42 reminds us of Mary’s choice: “only one thing is necessary.” Sitting at His feet is the “good portion” that won’t be taken away. |
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