Yesterday was one of those days where I decided to finally fix an “annoyance” in my life. For me, that meant buying a bigger duffle bag for my 24-hour shift at work.

The old bag had become this overstuffed, zipper-busting lump that made mornings way more frustrating than they needed to be. I’d have to wrestle it closed like I was trying to fold a fitted sheet — no matter how carefully I packed, it still came down to a fight between me and that stubborn zipper.

So, I upgraded. This new bag was bigger, sturdier, and in my mind, it was going to make my mornings smooth and stress-free.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about two areas in my spiritual walk:

I need to spend more time in God’s Word. I need to pray more and worry less.

So, while I was out shopping, I picked up a small book of written prayers to keep with me. Not as a replacement for speaking to God in my own words, but as a way to keep my mind focused and to guide me when my thoughts wander.

This morning, Cassie was being her usual helpful self and placed that prayer book right on top of my partially packed bag so I wouldn’t forget it.

I still had a few more items to shove in, so I moved the book aside, crammed in the last things, and (you guessed it) still had to fight the zipper shut. Bigger bag or not, apparently I’m committed to the art of overpacking.

I carried the bag to the door, feeling accomplished… then came back into the living room and saw it.

The prayer book.

Still sitting on the couch.

Leaving the Most Important Thing Behind

It hit me right there — this was exactly how I treat God sometimes.

I make sure my bag is full. My schedule is full. My budget is full. My head is full. I’m patting myself on the back for “getting it all together.” And then I realize the most important thing never even made it into the bag.

My relationship with God.

We do it in our finances:

We budget carefully, pay the bills, save for the future, even carve out a little spending money… and then look at what’s left and say, “Well, there’s not much for tithe this month. God understands.”

But Proverbs 3:9–10 tells us:

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9–10 (NIV)

God doesn’t just understand — He commands us to put Him first. Not last. Not “if there’s anything left.”

We do it in our time:

We fill our calendar with work, chores, kids’ activities, hobbies, and social events. And then Sunday morning comes, and we’re too tired to go to church. Or we go, but we’re mentally somewhere else.

Hebrews 10:24–25 says:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)

That’s not just a suggestion — it’s a reminder that community worship is part of God’s design for us.

We do it in our mental space:

We let worries, news, projects, and entertainment dominate our thoughts. Then, when something goes wrong, we throw up a quick prayer like a text message sent on 1% battery.

Philippians 4:6–7 calls us to the opposite:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)

The Space Is There — But Are We Looking For It?

Here’s the thing: with my prayer book, I didn’t even need to take something out to make room for it. I found a spare pocket I hadn’t thought about.

The space was there the whole time. I just wasn’t thinking about it.

That’s how it is with God. The moments to be with Him are there — a quiet drive, the shower, five minutes before bed, standing in line at the store — but we have to notice them and use them.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 paints a picture of this:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NIV)

Faith isn’t a single scheduled event in the day — it’s a thread that runs through all of it.

What Needs to Change?

Maybe for you it’s setting the alarm ten minutes earlier to read Scripture.

Maybe it’s praying with your kids before bed.

Maybe it’s committing to tithe first instead of “if there’s anything left.”

Maybe it’s turning off the podcast for one car ride and just talking to God.

The space is there — the question is whether we’re putting Him in it.

Conclusion

Don’t let God be the afterthought left sitting on the couch. Make Him the first thing in the bag, the first line in the budget, the first thought in your day. Everything else will fit better when you start with Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

Closing Prayer

Lord, help me to see the empty pockets in my life where You belong. Remind me that You’re not an extra to fit in when it’s convenient — You’re the reason for everything else I pack into my days. Help me to put You first, so that everything else falls into place according to Your will. Amen.

Call to Action

This week, before you start your day, “pack” one thing for God — a prayer, a verse, or a quiet moment — first, before anything else goes in the bag.