soul journey 
Living out Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” is a powerful commitment to put God at the center of our lives, family, and decisions. This verse calls us to intentionally choose to honor and follow God, not just individually but together with those we love. It’s about setting an example of faithfulness, compassion, and integrity that flows from a heart devoted to God.
Keeping God at the center of your life and decisions involves actively prioritizing His guidance, wisdom, and love in every aspect of your journey. Here’s how to invite God’s presence into your daily life and the choices you make:
1. Start Your Day with Prayer and Surrender
Begin each morning by dedicating the day to God. Thank Him for His blessings, ask for guidance, and commit to honoring Him in all you do. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Starting the day with prayer aligns your mind and heart with His.
2. Study Scripture for Wisdom and Strength
Regular Bible reading deepens your understanding of God’s ways and helps you develop a mindset aligned with His truth. Meditating on His Word shapes your decisions and encourages you to seek His wisdom. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Bible provides answers, strength, and encouragement.
3. Seek God’s Guidance in Decision-Making
Before making decisions, pause to seek God’s guidance. Pray and reflect on how each option aligns with His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Relying on God helps prevent impulsive choices and ensures you act with intention.
4. Practice Gratitude in All Circumstances
Gratitude keeps your focus on God’s blessings and reduces worry. By thanking God for both the small and large things, you become more aware of His presence and help in every situation. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
5. Be Part of a Faith Community
Surrounding yourself with fellow believers strengthens your faith and keeps you accountable. Worship, study, and pray with others to grow in your relationship with God. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” Community support like our daily porch gathering at 7:30 a.m. helps you stay centered and focused.
6. Embrace Trust and Patience in God’s Timing
Trusting God requires patience, especially when you don’t see immediate answers. Allow Him to work in His timing, knowing that His plans are greater than ours. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Faith grows as you patiently wait and trust in His timing.
7. Cultivate an Attitude of Love and Forgiveness
Reflect God’s love in your relationships by showing patience, kindness, and forgiveness. These actions keep God at the center of your relationships and daily interactions. Colossians 3:13 encourages us, “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Living with love and forgiveness brings peace and joy into your life.
8. Practice Humility and Surrender Control
Trusting God means letting go of the need to control everything. Surrendering to His will allows you to walk confidently, knowing He will lead you. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” When you surrender, you free yourself from worry and open yourself to God’s guidance.
9. Live a Life of Service
Serving others is a powerful way to keep God at the center. Reflect His love by helping those in need, being kind, and giving selflessly. Matthew 25:40 says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Serving others aligns your heart with God’s heart.
Sample Prayer to Keep God at the Center:
“Dear God, I want You to be the center of my life and decisions. Help me to seek Your wisdom, to trust in Your guidance, and to live in a way that honors You. Give me strength to surrender control and to embrace Your will in all I do. May my life reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.”
Choosing to center your life around God brings peace, purpose, and direction. With His guidance, your decisions become more aligned with His plan, and your journey reflects His love and wisdom.
Living by this declaration means making choices that reflect His love, seeking His guidance daily, and standing firm in His truth even when the world pulls us in different directions. Choosing to serve the Lord isn’t just a single decision—it’s a commitment we renew each day, trusting that His purpose for our lives will lead us into a life of peace, love, and eternal reward. May our homes be places where His love thrives, and our lives be testimonies of His faithfulness.
