I listened to a song last night by Sara Groves that I hadn't heard before. It seemed to do well in summing up how I feel and caused me to contemplate the things I believe in and am passionate about. And those things that one desires to share with others, but others don't seem to be interested. It can become wearisome, lonesome and heartbreaking. Like getting together with an old friend with whom you had so much in common at one time, but now you just don't seem to click.
And the thing I'm passionate about is this relationship I have with Jesus Christ that I so desire others to have, for others to know Him and to be passionate about Him as well.
There are those that know a lot about Him. They've got the facts down much better than I do regarding the Bible and its doctrines. I know very little. I don't always see things clear. And I struggle often times when trying to share this relationship and what it (He) means to me with others. But I know Him and I know His love for me. This relationship is available to you, as He so desires that all would come to Him to know Him.
The word "know" is an interesting word. In the context of "knowing the Lord" it has a much deeper meaning than just a surface knowledge about Him. This knowing refers to a deep, intimate relationship.
Imagine, the God of the Universe, the One who created everything, so desires to know you and me—intimately, deeply, profoundly—and for us to know Him likewise. Surely He knows us inside and out. The Bible says He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He knew us in our mothers' wombs where He awesomely and wonderfully made us. So He knows us better than we know ourselves. But still He desires a knowing relationship, an intimacy with each of us.
He's never one to force Himself on anyone. We have been given the gift of free will. If we only knew how passionate He is about wanting us, desiring us to come to Him. He is always standing at the door of our hearts knocking, waiting for us to respond to Him. Are we listening? Are you listening now?
Someone once said that life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved. A relationship with Jesus Christ is mysterious and wonderful. Coming to know Him is the most life-changing event one will ever experience. I've known Him for many years but I'm far from figuring it (or Him) all out. But the "problem" of my trying to figure out who I am and why I'm here is no longer a mystery for me.
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." —John 1:12-13
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." —Revelation 3:20
He's standing right there, right in front of you, knocking. You can refuse Him or you can welcome Him in and begin the journey of a lifetime, for now and eternity. All you need to start the relationship is to ask Him.
I'm praying for you.
Dave
Dave, I always so appreciate and feel like I hear your heart. I, too, have this deep longing for some VERY close to me to know this One that I am coming to know so well. His beauty is unmatchable in my life. Let's continue to gaze upon Him and be amazed at the inner change He brings. It truly is breathtaking beyond all else!!
ReplyDeleteTammy! Great to hear from you. I think you're right. As we focus on Him and His changing us, transforming us more and more into His likeness, we can't help but reflect that to others. The hard thing for me is seeing that to be honest. I still see a lot of flesh that gets in the way it seems, but I have to believe that the Lord will use us regardless how we see things. Maybe it comes back to needing to let go of expectations we put on ourselves and rather just continue to focus on Him, allowing Him to do His work in us and through us.
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