Thursday, May 5, 2011

God Guides The Weary

You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you. Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. -- Exodus 33:12b-13a (NLT)

I want a map with complete directions. You know. Like one of those programs that tell you which road to take, each turn to make, how long between turns, and exactly what time you will arrive.

I know I’m not Moses. Not by a long shot. Still, God is my Father, my Abba, my Everything. And He loves me. Sometimes I think He’s the only one who does, but that’s another issue for another day. I want to follow Him. He knows which way to go. But sometimes I get so confused and turned around. I can’t see the way. I don’t know where He is.

It’s scary. I look around me and feel the weight of others’ needs and expectations closing in. I panic. My hand reaches toward God again and again but I can’t find Him anywhere in this darkness that is closing in. I know I’ll never make it on my own.

I’ve heard all the excuses. Satan is toying with me. I’ve lost my focus. It’s just a rough patch. Yeah, I’ve heard it all. But none of it makes the darkness any less scary. I know I can’t keep this up. Sooner or later I’ll hit a brick wall and, finally, I’ll be done.

I cry out, begging Him to come get me. Right where I am. Show me the map. Give me directions. Take my hand and lead me to where I’m supposed to go. I’m lost and alone.

I don’t know why I’m on this path. I don’t understand at all. But I believe I’m on this particular road for a reason. God, show me your intentions. Make me understand why I am here and where I belong.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

God Is Waiting

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." -- Exodus 33:11a

I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. I know. Everyone else read it a long time ago. It's still a wonderful book. It really made me think about just why the book is so popular. I believe that -- besides the good writing -- we love the book because we all want a loving, personal relationship with God.

We want it. But we aren't sure it's possible. See, God is all powerful. He punishes people for their sins. Just check out the Old Testament for specifics. I mean, He is so awesome that we really can't comprehend all that He is. So how can we possibly have a personal relationship with Him?

The simple answer is Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When we invite Jesus into our lives, He lives within us. That clears the way for us to approach God directly. Yeah. You heard that right. We get to talk directly with God. He wants us to. I know. It's mind-boggling.

The Holy Spirit even guides us throughout our lives when we shut up and listen. That last bit was directed at me not you. The Holy Spirit is the wonderful counselor God sent to us after Jesus ascended to heaven. See, we are never alone.

Humans were born with a longing for our Creator. We want to know Him. And He is the only One who can fill that space within us. It's natural that we would seek Him out, that we would want to be able to talk with Him and spend time with Him. And we can. If we could just understand that it really is possible.

I am a big believer in prayer. Everyone knows that about me. But prayer doesn't have to be formal. It doesn't always require you to get down on your knees. In fact, some of my best talks with God come when I am walking. Or driving. Or painting. Or doing any number of things throughout the day. It was so liberating to learn that I really could talk to God anywhere, at anytime, and He would listen. I don't even have to have a problem or request. I can tell Him how beautiful the sky is or how I enjoyed a book or, well, you get the picture.

I'm glad there are books like The Shack that show us how much God loves us. Yes, He is mighty and powerful. But He loves us. Really and truly. He wants us to seek Him out. He wants to be our friend, our Father, our mentor. Reach out and start talking. Then take time to listen. He's right there with you, participating in that conversation you once longed to have.