What A Joy

I PASSED by a number of memes containing popular sayings, which were posted by wonderful children of God. I don’t doubt their motive. They meant to teach, to put this thought they’d written in your head. This isn't about WHO said it, but the general thought they all expressed. There were all various statements about faith as a process through which we strive to obtain it. And there goes my heart, sinking again. I'd rather you made it an emotion. It is closer to that than to an educational experience or personal gain that you must earn.

I will say something similar about prayer, too. Prayer has been functionalized when it is simply talking to your Father in heaven and saying what's on your heart. It's a conversation. Which means after you speak, He responds. When I pray, He always responds because He loves me. He sees my heart, He knows my motive, He knows where my thinking needs adjusting to see things like He does. But the essence of prayer is what a joy it is for us to spend time together. He wants to hear from me, and comfort and encourage me.

I know Him, so much that I can read books like Job or Malachi and see His tender, gentle nature. I see what is man’s way of thinking and what is my Father's nature to rescue and redeem. I'm not confused by what is penned as God’s wrath, nor do I picture Him as vindictive and judgmental. I know Him too well. I can also read the Psalms and not blame Him for things in my life like they did. We have been given Jesus, our knowledge of God's salvation has changed. He is fully revealed to us. I see Him through the eyes of the New Covenant, which He longed to give to us, so that we can come close to Him, right into the throne room, and standing there, surrounded by Him, rejoice together with Him that He is so good to all men.

“Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making.” (Ephesians 1:7-9, MSG)

He is God. He has big enough shoulders to handle every single person's confusion about Him and has not one single angry thought as a result. Nor a faith chart of our level of progress. He isn't shaking His head because we don't have enough or haven't said enough faith words or shown our neighbors the right amount of love. We can take Him our issues from where we are at, and He will surround us with His love and take care of them.

It's that simple.

“In Christlikeness of character experienced by trust in him, we may approach God freely and with confidence.” (Ephesians 3:12, Remedy)


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com