If you had an acquaintance you only talked to in one of you periodic life emergencies, but otherwise ignored, how friendly would you say you really are? If you only demanded help, said a sketchy "Thank you!" and went on your merry way until the next time, how likely do you suppose it is that your acquaintance would even want to talk to you next time, let alone help?
I am guilty of such selfish behavior. I can hear the gasps of outrage and surprise. Surely not! Yet I reluctantly confess that such is the case. Who is my abused friend?
God.
Recently I have fallen on tough times and consequently made my frantic 9-1-1 call to God. "Help! I need help."
I'm sure he heard my prayers. In the Bible it assures me that he does. The question is--will he answer? Do I have a right to expect him to answer if the only time I talk to him is when I need something? I used to have more than a nodding acquaintance with God. Talked to him everyday. Shared all my accomplishments. Thanked him for the abundance in my life.
And then something happened.
I started taking the abundant life for granted. The busyness of my abundant life meant I had less time to talk to God. There were so many other things to do. And then in the way that things happen in life, everything came to a screeching halt.
Suddenly, there is a yawning, aching space with lots of time to talk to him. To my amazement, I miss him. The day isn't complete without greeting him in the morning. Or chatting over lunch. Or recapping the day in the evening. Blessings are more blessed when they're acknowledged day by day. Maybe even hour by hour.
The individual relationship with God isn't about religion or going to church. Sadly, I know many people who are faithful attenders at church that never talk to God. For me, it's that daily "Good morning, God. Thank you for letting me wake up this morning. I appreciate having food and a place to live, too."
What? Not formal enough. Well, it occurs to me that God doesn't need formality. He wants appreciation and respect, however we express it. Have you ever heard a child pray? The Bible says to come to God as a little child.
"Hello, God. I'm back. How are you today?"
Anny
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I've married a man of a different faith, and I've come to believe it is not just the act of church attendance that makes one a 'good' Christian. I may not be able to partake in certain sacraments anymore, but I certainly have my daily "QT"...Quiet Time, and I learned at a young age to 'pray constantly'...sometimes he replies with an astounding "YES"; other times (like this weekend!) it has been a firm "No"...and yet at other times (2006!) it was a gentle "WAIT...there's something better coming along..."
ReplyDeleteWhat matters is our hearts and our willingness to obey his commands. I tell my kids "WWJD" when they start to moan about circumstances, or things which happen that they cannot control. It's not made me the most popular mom at times, but in the long run, it strengthens my kids' faith. And it helps when at least one parent models the behavior.
I admire people with faith - and if that faith helps you through life then that's a blessing
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteWow, Anny! Love this topic 'cause it's one I can REALLY identify with.
ReplyDeleteTJ