The thought of winter brings with it the joys of the holidays, noise of the holidays and the "oh boys" of the holidays. For some, it's great . But for others, the whole festiveness of Christmas and New Year is just too much. It can cause us to withdraw or become depressed. This is especially true if you don't have family nearby or worse, don't have family at all. Holidays, in such case can be a terrible reminder of who or what we don't have rather than Who and what we do have.
Did you know that, if you are a believer, you are never alone. Jesus is always with us. His word says "...Never will I leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 That's it ! No matter how dark things get, no matter where you are in your journey. He is always there, just a breath away.
Why is it that sometimes Jesus feels far away? Personally, I tend to isolate from people, and sometimes even God, when I am troubled. This certainly makes Him seem further away but it is I who has in fact, moved. As much as I love my Lord, my heart will wander if I'm not careful. The human heart is prone to that. It doesn't take much.
It may be a need, like working or a desire like playing a game on your phone. It can be obsession over a problem, or a vacation with friends. Before you know it hours pass, sometimes a whole day and we've yet to pick up our Bibles or even pray.
One of my favorite hymns is "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" It's writer, John Whyeth, famously penned the words, "Let thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love...Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above."
Once I recognize that I have moved. I pray first, confessing my negligence and asking forgiveness. Of course God forgives us and reminds us in His word the key to close fellowship, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." James 4:8
Our relationship with God is like that of our closest relationship with others in the sense that we are active participants.
There is only one way to God, through trusting in the shed blood and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, it's true. Knowing God however is not a "one way" relationship. It is two way between God and you or I. How do you treat your best friend? This, only with awe and great reverence, is how you and I ought to be with Jesus.
When there is trouble, call out His name! There is power in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! When we are happy, prayers of thanksgiving naturally flow from our hearts. When we are bored, think on Jesus! Seek His face! There is no better friend on this earth than Jesus Christ. My Yeshua, I call Him.
I recently moved to Warren, Rhode Island. Before that I lived in Swansea. While in Swansea I would go down to the town beach in Ocean Grove and "meet Jesus" for our morning "date." I would read my bible and pray. He always showed up with a beautiful sunrise and a special verse. The light bounced off the houses that lined the water in tender golden hues. That was my sign that He was there, rising just to my left. I loved it.
Well, the other day I was on my way to Fall River early in the morning when I decided to take a detour to see "Jesus." When I got to the town beach it was closed off because of the snow, so I couldn't park there. I saw the light sparkling off the houses, but I couldn't see the sunrise. I left a little disappointed. So over the Braga bridge I went. As I drove over it, I saw nothing but SUN! It was the most brightest and best sunrise I had ever seen in my life and I felt like God did it just for me! Those are the kinds of sweet nothings God will do when we are in close fellowship with Him!
God's word poetically says, "Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:78-79
Friends, you can do your life alone if you want to. But eternal life, the best life, can only be had with Two.
Trust in Jesus. Your life may not get better, but you will get better in it. You will find that things aren't so hopeless and meaningless. Life is always better with two... Jesus and you!