“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” (Psalm 42:2).
Years ago, worn out by the seemingly endless “to do’s” of the Christian life, I wrote in my journal, “I am not interested in the philosophy of Christianity. Instead, my heart beats with the longing to know the living Christ and to be with people who have the same passion.” I wanted to be nourished in my relationship with Christ, not only to be taught my “duties” as a Christian.
My attitude was captured in the words of Christian author C.S. Lewis, “If Christianity only means one more bit of good advice, then Christianity is of no importance. There has been no lack of good advice for the last four thousand years. A bit more makes no difference.”
Good advice has its place, but our hearts long for something more. They long for a genuine relationship with the living God.
Jesus spoke many words about life, what to do and what not to do, but all of them had one primary objective: to draw people into a relationship with Himself. He was not just giving them tips on effective living. We cannot experience the life of Christ simply by exerting more effort to live a good life, no matter how hard we try. We experience it by seeking a deeper personal relationship with Him.
Don’t worry about “how,” start with simply making it a prayer focus. (He knows what you need to make it happen.) When that is our objective, we will become increasingly aware of how God can use any event or setting to speak to our hearts, to touch our souls and make His presence with us known. The buildings of the city as well as the beauty of nature. The energy of crowds as well as the serenity of solitude. The regularity of church and the spontaneity of children. The moods of music and the captivation of literature. The distinction between “secular” and “sacred” blurs when “knowing Him” is our goal, and our souls find rest, joy and satisfaction in Him.
God abundantly answered my prayer. He can certainly answer yours.
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