The Nearness.

So I went to France. Tornadoed around my house. Rocketed off to Sky Lodge. The end of May was a huge whirlwind of life. It was exciting, adventurous! I got to have so many great experiences and I loved it.

It was busy, though. And I was slacking on my quiet time. I spent very little time reading the Bible and prayed barely at all. I still experienced God a little, though. He still showed me his concern with the entire world: his love for everybody. And the amazing sights of France reminded me of his amazing glory.

When I came to Sky Lodge, though, I had to face the fact that we hadn't talked in a while. When I first prayed at Sky Lodge I had this feeling of nostalgia. I missed really spending time with God, and he felt the same way towards me. I may have missed out, but I wasn't guilty. I knew that I could now give him time every day, whether that be in solitude, in community, or working or playing, I would be in constant closeness with God. I really missed that.

It's amazing: his love is relentless. It just keeps trying and trying to get to us, and it won't give up. God will keep on trying forever to reach us. And when he's close to you, you feel his voice and feelings.

You can feel really joyful and thankful for Jesus' love for you and your friendship. It's like the joy you feel about your best friend, but at the same time greater, more amazing.

You can feel such peace when Jesus reminds you he is your shepherd, guide, and mentor. It's like relief at having a great teacher, but much more satisfying and quieting. 

You can be full of lamentation and anger when you understand the brokenness of the world and the people in it. It's like seeing a homeless man on the sidewalk, but realizing that this situation is common, it's the fruit of the world.

And when he tells you truth and wisdom, you can depend on his words. "Trust in the Lord with all his heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

He can give you words and visions. He can speak to you literally, he can speak to you through thoughts, images, experiences. Nothing is impossible with God, and he wants to interact with his children. God doesn't speak to us because of obligation or reluctantly. He just wants to love us and wants to know us. He wants a relationship!

And if you really want to hear God now, you should read the Bible! The Bible is the words of God, given to people like Paul, Moses, and other God-loving people. The books were written long ago, but they are the words of God, and they can still apply today. God speaks to current issues through the Bible as well. It's as true as truth can be.

And so that's a little bit about what it's like to hear from God, which is what I wanted to touch on. Talking to God is so pleasing, and provides guidance in everything I do. Thank God that I can grow close to Him again.

Have a good week,

~Sam