There is no substitute for the glory and presence of God. Too often God’s beloved let things on this earth distract them, leading them to inadvertently substitute and serve other things above God. This is one of the devil’s strategies - to use the things of the earth to separate and distract God’s beloved from His presence. It’s time to get rid of the

Substitutes.

The substitutes are cheap counterfeits that only provide illusory short-term satisfaction. A booming business, new car, or big house may satisfy the ego, but it will never truly satisfy the soul. Nor will pills, joints, drinks, or sexual immorality. These are convenient means of trying to fill an earthly void that is bottomless. They are useless endeavors producing no fruit and increasing confusion. They ultimately lead to deeper emptiness, hurt, pain, and shame.

God calls his beloved to be all in for Him - not lukewarm and distracted. King David says in Psalms 16:11, “In your presence is fullness of joy…” A soul in unity with God has no desire for cheap substitutes. The soul finds rest and fulfillment when it finds Jesus.

For those who find themselves in an endless cycle of substitutes, failing to fill a void that is felt in the soul - God stands ready to redeem. When Nathaniel doubted that Jesus could be the long awaited Savior, Philip only said one thing to him: “Come and see.” (John 1:45-46)

The time is now and the gift is fulfillment. It’s time to get rid of the substitutes.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You, acknowledging that there is no substitute for Your presence. Forgive me for the times I have let the distractions of this world take Your place in my heart. I desire nothing more than to dwell in Your presence, where there is fullness of joy and true fulfillment. Remove every counterfeit and distraction from my life, and help me to focus solely on You. Teach me to seek You first in everything, to trust You completely, and to find my satisfaction in You alone. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Take time today to reflect on any area of your life where substitutes have crept in and displaced your focus on God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these distractions, whether they are material things, habits, or relationships. Make a deliberate choice to turn away from these counterfeits and redirect your heart toward God, trusting Him to fill every void. Consider fasting or setting aside time in prayer to break any attachment to these substitutes.