When I first graduated from college I was so excited to be able to finally have more time to spend in God’s Word. I had a deep desire to know him better and I knew that his word would be the way I could do that. Not that I didn’t read my Bible while in school, it was just that now I knew I would be able to dedicate much more time to developing a better relationship with him.
Getting closer to the Lord is like most other relationships, as you spend time with him and get to know him you grow closer to him and love him more. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” I’ve definitely come to understand that learning to love God is a process. I’m surely glad that everything God ask us to do he is willing to help us with through the work of his Holy Spirit our divine helper, and I’m ever so grateful for his patience. As he guides us and teaches us we become more of who God wants us to be. Submitting to God’s will is a choice we have to make daily but ultimately it leads to days filled with peace, joy, and direction. As we begin to see him work more in our life we begin to love him more.
The days that I enjoy the most are the ones where I can sense his presence the most. But fortunately even on days when I may not feel as close to him I know he is still there because he promises in his word to never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Over the last several months God has illuminated the word “joy” to me. I think his reason for doing that is because He knows joy is a key factor in enjoying life. Joy is something that can be experienced regardless of what difficulty we may be facing. Our hearts are joyful when we love God and are aware of the fact that he is always in control of our circumstances. When we encounter life’s setbacks joy says, “My God will never fail me, his love for me is greater than my problems so I don’t ever have to worry. He will take care of me.”
It’s so true, God will take care of all your needs, so do not despair! Reach out to him in good times and bad. Learn about who he is through his word and talk to him throughout your day and watch your love for him grow. As our love for him grows, we will have the contentment that comes from facing each new day aware of his presence with us and his love for us. As we look out and look up we can see the beauty of God’s love all around us, especially through his creation that he has given us to enjoy. Many days I just look up at the sky and I say, “Thank you Father for this beautiful day and for being here with me, I love you”. I certainly know that he loves me and being sure of his love for me causes me to enjoy my life more. He has given us all things to enjoy. In 1 Timothy 6:17 it reads,” Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
What’s your greatest fear or worry? As you ponder this question just realize that whatever the answer may be through the love of God you can still find peace and enjoy your life. With all that is going on around us, it may be hard sometimes to understand that our main focus should be on loving our God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). It amazes me that he first loved me, even before I knew him. My prayer for my life and yours is that we will love our God with all our heart, soul, and strength and enjoy the life he has given us!
P.S.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)
Dear Father,
Thank you for giving us all things to enjoy! May you be glorified through the lives we live here on Earth. Please teach us to love you with all of our heart, soul and strength. Help us to walk in the joy that comes from understanding in our hearts that you love us and want us to enjoy life.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
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Drawing Closer to Christ 