Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Depending on your work situation and family life, there can be many things that require your attention and focus. These responsibilities have the potential to drain you of energy and joy. A job isn't evil and neither is family (obviously). It simply reveals the need to have an avenue where God can flow in and out of you at any given moment. It's not that He leaves us, but our awareness of Him can wax and wane.
Recently, I found myself in this kind of busy life situation. The commitments I agreed to simply began to overwhelm me. I felt more anger and frustration than I had in awhile. My hope was dwindling. I felt like a victim, like I had no control of what was going on. During this time, it became evident to me that maintaining a superficial conversation with God wasn't going to cut it. I missed Him. I needed Him to be my reality.
So, I made it a point to make the necessary sacrifices so that despair wouldn't overtake me. I didn't have hours to spare, but the time I did have, I offered it to God. I went away to be with Him. Initially this started with alone time in my bedroom, but when the Lord comes to me, it seems like I'm everywhere and nowhere all at the same time. He reminded me of previous moments we've shared, things He's said to me, and promises He has made to me. He even led me to specific journal entries from years ago. I love when He shows me I'm not crazy. :)
When we haven't spent a lot of time with God, we can often feel guilt or condemnation. Some may even think they deserve the negative circumstances they are in because of their lack of fellowship time with God. But allowing this to happen disregards Jesus' sacrifice for us. He's death, blood, and resurrection made way for us to have full access to the Father and to Himself. To think we have to earn our way back to His heart, His ear, or His face is inaccurate and insulting to His blood. He died for sins past, present, and future. Does this mean we should sin purposely because we always have a way back? The Apostle Paul and I say, "Duh... no," (paraphrased in Romans 6). If you care about someone, you do not purposely hurt him or her. It's the same with the Lord. Jesus is a person. He is God. Our choices about what we do with our time and attention affect Him. Have you ever been in love? If you have, then you understand what it's like to want to spend the majority of your time with that special someone, wrapped in his or her arms, being affectionate and just spending time together. Well, need I say any more about the similar desires of God towards us? The God who rescued and rescues us from death, sin, and the effects thereof?
None of this is meant to make anyone feel bad about choices they may have made in the past. You might still be busy with school, work, a spouse, and/or children. You may have only minutes a day to offer to God. But know in your offering, it's not being offered because you will fall or fail if you don't do it. It's because He loves you and wants to remind you that He never left, that you have a future and a greater hope. I'm convinced there are ways to access Him continually throughout our day. I hope to discover them soon.
So, as a reminder... no matter what your life looks like right now, nothing can separate you from the hot, passionate, love of God. Sometimes we just need to know He's there, living life with us, and ready to offer us better ways to live and to think. Know you've been forgiven and He wants to spend time with you. When you notice hope or joy dwindling, invite Him into your day. Ask Him to speak to you. Remind Him you haven't forgotten Him. Be affectionate, either out loud or quietly. It's always been about relationship. He still loves us... and He always will.
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