As wonderful as the internet is and as convenient as it is to have the entire world web at our fingertips, we all know that it can also be extremely frustrating. Long gone are encyclopedias where we did our searching for information. We have come to expect instant access and high speeds. Lately, my home internet connection is painfully slow. I have called my internet provider (I won’t mention who!) several times to say that I have no service. They usually will put me through the paces of disconnecting my modem and/or router for a few minutes to reboot. I was even told to buy a new router, and I did. Still, more often than not, I wait and wait or I am unable to connect at all!
This issue has reminded me how similar it is to staying connected to God. HE is always there for us and if we feel any disconnect, it is because of our own actions – not God’s. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. What a precious gift of grace! So when we feel that God is distant, we must ask ourselves what needs to be done. God desires that our hearts belong wholly to Him. To stay connected to God, we must be sure that we spend time with Him everyday. We must read His Word, the Bible, and meditate on the God-inspired words within. We must spend time in study to increase our knowledge and feed our spirits. It’s important to choose friends that will encourage us and support our beliefs. Hebrews 10:19-25 says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur on another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching”.
We also must communicate with God through prayer. Just as it is impossible to have a close relationship with someone if there is no communication, the same is true if we don’t have a meaningful quiet time with God each day. He delights when we praise Him; He listens intently when we bring our needs and desires to His throne. He feels our grief and heartaches and He sustains us with His peace. What a precious gift! Our words of thanksgiving also surely fill God’s heart!
What a friend we have in Jesus – a blessing beyond words. Be encouraged and check your connection today!
I am so grateful to have a sister like you! Always diligent to stay connected to Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You practice and are consistent with how you blog.
Your blog reminds me of Jesus’ words about the True Vine. I always noted how Jesus wanted me to abide in his words and vice versa. I viewed it as a formula for bearing fruit. In many ways I overlooked what Jesus wanted even more so. Abide in His love. Like John later says, He first loved us and we should abide in his love. I also try to abide in his word each day. However, I focus more on the last sentence of your blog. What a friend (and Savior, and substitute, and more) we have in Jesus.
Ju st like you quoted in Hebrews. He opened the way through his perfect and complete sacrifice.
Thanks again Pam!
I love you, Danny! Thank you for support and encouragement in so many ways!