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And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment.

Matthew 22:37–38, LSB

These words would not have been new for Jesus, but a reminder of the words Moses gave to the people of Israel before they were to enter into the promised land. God has desired our love of Him to be a priority. Not a secondary point of reference in our lives, but something standing ever in the forefront of our daily living. Human nature has not changed. We are easily distracted and can easily become caught up in the concerns and affairs of this world. God is calling us away from these concerns and calling us to Himself. It isn’t that He doesn’t understand. Jesus knew hunger. He knew sadness and grief. Our Lord also knew betrayal, disappointment, and pain. We don’t worship a God who does not understand, but one who is ever calling us back to Himself. He desires our lives to be centered in Him, so we may know His love, His comfort, and His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.