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Call Upon God In Prayer
Do you have a relationship with someone that you’ve been really close to in the past, but for some reason or another it’s now strained? I do.
As a child I had good reason to bond unusually close to my brother and 2 sisters. We experienced things that no one else can truly tap into like we can with each other. And my relationship with my older sister has always been particularly close. Even into adulthood, we would talk at least once every week or so…not out of obligation, but simply because we were sharing in each other’s lives to such a degree that what was important to one of us was important to the other. Our conversations were real, natural, and life-giving.
However, for some reason, that all stopped a year ago. I would call…and call…and call, eMail, text…and eMail, text, and call some more. With the exception of a couple of defensive eMails, short meaningless texts back from her, and one 30 minute call after 9 months, we’ve had no other communications. Initially, I really had no idea why this was happening. Over the months I’ve learned about some of the funk going on in her life that has given me some understanding as to why this is happening. But more than that it’s made me want to connect with her even more. I’m in pain for her and I want to be there for her…I want to be a light to her, bring life to her. But until she’s ready to talk with me I can’t do much than be available (and pray of course!).
As I’ve processed through all this, I’ve come to realize that this is how our relationship with God can look at times. Although we know that He loves us so much and that He has given us so much (our very lives, a life on earth and into eternity with Him through Christ, His Word, the ability to crawl up into His lap) for one reason or another, we reject having a real, natural, life-giving relationship with Him. We allow our shstuff, our shame, and our idols to get in the way. He so much wants us to know Him and His ways better, to receive His grace fully and have peace and joy…but we just ignore or reject His constant messages and invitations to know Him more deeply. Every once and awhile, we might throw up a quick, almost meaningless prayer…but those are often empty, random, defensive or self-serving.
Throughout Scripture we’re shown that through prayer we can get to know God better. Jeremiah 33:3 states, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Then in John 21:12…"Jesus [said] unto them, ‘Come and dine’." That’s an intimate, life-breathing invitation. What a privilege!
It is my prayer that 2010 is characterized by "dining" with God in prayer and in the Word in such a way that each of us knows Him and His ways so much more deeply. Please join me in that prayer.
Thanks Doug. We always have to remember that there is always a back story that we may not be aware of. Fortunately with God, He always knows the back story and we don’t have to try to tell Him about it.
Bible says He stands at the door and knocks, not He knocks it down.
Doug, thank you for reminding me of this simple truth with such a meaningful real- life relationship. I think that a a lot of Christians are truly well intended when it comes to their
relationship with God, not fully realizing how the heart of God aches to have us often sit with Him awhile. Hoping for more time, a better time….we miss it too often. I have missed it too often in days gone by but I feel drawn by the memories of what it was like being so incredibly intimate with the Lord, I must have it more deeply again.
Doug -
Thanks for always searching, digging, and then sharing your heart in vulnerable and powerful ways.
Love the Jeremiah verse… and then the thought of dining.
I love our family dinners, and we guard those with an almost militant vehemency. It requires time, effort, and fought-for priorities to dine together as a family of six.
TV dinners around the TV whenever anyone wants to come and go is just not dining. Isn’t that what many will settle for… instead of a rich banquet or fabulous dining with our Lord. What an invitation. What a travesty when we let that invitation sit at the bottom of our mail pile — or worse yet, be thrown out with the empty TV dinner box.
Thanks Doug!
Keep dining and sharing your fine cuisine experiences with all of us!
love you bro.,
alan
Perfect comment, Bill!! Great reminder…
Why eat when you can dine? Why just quench a thirst when you can have Living Water? Thank you, Doug, for digging deep. Your prayers for your dear sister are a sweet aroma to the Lord!