I often wonder how people do life without God? I wonder why they would even want to? I assume that they are looking to other people to fill and meet their needs, but people can’t be relied on with consistency. Their humanness gets in the way. They fall short.
God does not.
God is not a distant being. He is not passive. God does not sit and look at his people through a lens of his baggage, and past circumstances. God’s mood is not unpredictable and tied to His action or lack of it. God is not inconsistent in what He does. His rules and guidelines (guardrails) are not constantly in flux. God is not bending the truth to make it fit what He wants.
God is out to get us. Not as a punishment for our sins or crimes committed against Him or others – but God is out to get us. He is out to win our hearts. To show His character. His love. His redemption. His ability to take that which is broken and create something new – something beautiful.
The cost for such love proves God’s extravagant gift giving. While the cost for Him was extreme, the cost for us is one that even the poorest among us can afford – if we want to pay it. We need only to surrender our hearts. Our will.
Certainly there are reasons people resist giving their heart and will to God, but what blows my mind is that they allow their reasons to outweigh the benefits. Friend, the benefits of walking with God are so great that they far exceed the cost of surrender. There has never been, nor will there ever be a greater gift, a more powerful gift, an eternal gift, given.
It is because of this gift that I can read the words of scripture and know that the promises of God given generations ago are also promises meant for me. I need not fear: “The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” (Psalm 27:1) I have direction: “The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands.” (Psalm 25:10) I am safe: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:1-2)
God’s promises and blessings extend far beyond what I am even able to see or know. His love is deep. His love is intimate. His love is unconditional. His love is eternal.
God is not distant. He is near. Waiting. Ready to hold us in His strong arms. Clean us up from our sins. Lead us.
LORD, may we never hold back our hearts from you. Transform us. Lead us into a deeper understanding of you. Grow within us a passion for You and Your word. Strengthen our love for you and for others daily. Help us to value living in obedience to you so that we can also bask in the blessings that come from right living. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for your presence. -Amen.
Blessings!