When I pull farther away from God, His size, importance, and abilities seem smaller. But when I draw in close, He becomes magnified. He becomes everything to me. ~Praying Upside Down
Have you seen this play out in your life? What did you do to draw in close again?
Yes I sure have seen that happen. More times than I would like. Problems quickly reach hurricane force. Like the disciples in the boat I can forget that Jesus is quietly resting in my “boat”, just waiting for my call. When I realize I’m looking through the binoculars the wrong way I try to find things to name in gratitude that make me happy and remind me that He loves me. It also helps to sit down with my Bible (doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading it, but when problems are too big, usually my life is too harried and hurried) and take some leisure time with Him, forcing myself to breathe slower, ignore the mess and focus on what His word says. Writing both my issues and His answers in my journal. I had a panicked moment like that earlier this week actually – and its edgy right now. Thank you for the reminder!
I bought a couple Bible studies to do on my own this summer because sometimes I need an excuse to get into the Word… sometimes I just don’t even know where to start. But once I’m there, I’m always glad! And journaling always helps me :-).
Kelly,
You have touched on something that I believe we all struggle with! When I was battling cancer, I was completely and totally dependent on God to keep me sane until He made me well. I focused on His hand in my life and saw Him at work daily. I don’t believe that I have ever been so close to Him as I was when I was sick. I long for that closeness now that things are back to normal and am surprised at all the things that Satan puts between me and my time with God. To regain some of the closeness I felt before, I make a conscious effort to spend time in Scripture each day. Sometimes I tell myself that I owe it to my daughter, because SHE needs to be in God’s word…but after my time with her, I find myself hungry for time alone with Him.
God is infinitely good to us. He will draw near to us and make Himself known to us when we put forth the smallest effort.
Sometimes all it takes is for me to say, “God, I can’t feel you”…
To which He ALWAYS responds, “I’m right here.”
Thank you for this wonderful reminder and for making me think!
Kris
My friend Suzanne has said, “I want to be as desperate for Him as when I was desperate.” I can relate! It’s not always so easy to “find” Him again—but yet I believe He is always right there, just as you said. 🙂