He’s Such a Personal God
It seems inside of all mankind there is a deep personal need for companionship, a need for unconditional love, for mercy, for an everlasting bond or relationship. People search for this at all costs, often leading to heartache and disappointment. It’s not a wrong desire. It’s a godly desire. When God created mankind, He did so with the intention to have exactly that. It was God’s desire to have that companionship, that everlasting, unconditional, loving bond with His creation. God did all He could to encourage and honor His relationship with mankind. He gave them the best He could, Eden, filled with all they needed or could ever want. Every pleasant tree, trees with wonderful fruit, gold and precious stones were all there for mankind to enjoy. Not only that, but God was also in the habit of visiting and talking with man one on one. He fostered a personal relationship, from the beginning. (Genesis 2-3)
He’s such a personal God, our loving Father. He promises to be a husband to the husbandless. (Isaiah 54:5) He promises to be a father to the fatherless. (Psalm 68:5) He promises to be a friend to the friendless. (John 15:15) But, just as it was in the beginning, everlasting, unconditional covenant relationships take the participation and honor of both parties.
The first part of James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” God is waiting for us to invite Him in. He’s waiting for us to draw near. Notice the second half of this scripture continues, “Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” It takes our action, our purposefully living right, in order to draw nearer to God. Just as in any covenant relationship, with God, it takes focus and attention if you want your relationship to be strong.
Look also at John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Being doers of the Word, proves our love and faithfulness to the Father. It is being a doer of the Word that helps us to live purely and righteously. This is what allows us to draw closer to God. Yes, a strong personal relationship with our Heavenly Father is up to us. It is a two part equation and we are the variable. God is ever waiting for us to come to Him. Look at Isaiah 30:18, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him.” A more accurate translation of “wait for Him,” is to long for Him, to long for His unbroken companionship.
It is when we seek after Him with all our heart that He is able to be God in our lives. It’s a new year and an opportunity to put the past behind, draw a line in the sand, and step over into greater devotion, greater honor, and greater desire for our Lord. Let’s put Him first. Let’s open the door for His grace, His mercy and His unmerited favor. Amen?
Be Blessed,
Pastor Renée
