Yesterday I heard a friend of mine speak at church on the topic getting closer to God. She talked about prayer and Bible reading and being with Christian friends. These are the things you normally hear. However, she took a trip down memory lane and shared with us a few anecdotes from her childhood, adolescence and her current life as an adult. These were simple but compelling stories of how real and how close God has been to her through the years. My friend described wonderful answers to prayer. There were times where God comforted, guided, strengthened and simply gave a loving touch as a Father would to a daughter. Though she spoke only about 6-7 minutes it was probably the highlight of the hour of worship for me.
It got me to thinking. In this forum and others I’m the one that often shares how I’m seeing or experiencing God. Let’s trade places. How do you connect with God in ways where you feel close to Him? Would you share a couple of sentences with others?
I’m blessed to not only have a consistent readership from the Seattle area but many of you also check in from various points around the country. How about a little more of a virtual conversation today? Share a thought. Reflect and comment on the thoughts of others.
Where’s your place where you regain intimacy with God?
It got me to thinking. In this forum and others I’m the one that often shares how I’m seeing or experiencing God. Let’s trade places. How do you connect with God in ways where you feel close to Him? Would you share a couple of sentences with others?
I’m blessed to not only have a consistent readership from the Seattle area but many of you also check in from various points around the country. How about a little more of a virtual conversation today? Share a thought. Reflect and comment on the thoughts of others.
Where’s your place where you regain intimacy with God?
6 comments:
Usually late at night as I lie in my bed and we talk about my day and the fears that engulf me. I am wrapped securely in His arms with my head buried deep within His chest. He always shares with me what he wants me to see -- where I have been and where He is leading me. I feel His love and heart beat when I mediate on His Word. Other times, it is through the words of a song that sends me into deep conversation with Him.
There are a lot of places I reconnect. Many of the same places as the ones your friend mentioned on Sunday.
Beyond those, I was reminded yesterday of how easy it is on the first sunny day after months of storms. After a stressful day, I went for a ride on Burke Gilman and sucked in the clean air, scenery, and beauty of the day God gave us. Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my entire life. But God was with me the whole time and He made it clear his plans are for prosperity and not to harm, plans to give hope and a future, just as it says in Jeremiah. He has surrounded me with Christian brothers and sisters, family, and coworkers. He's provided hope, fellowship, financial support, and unconditional love in times of trouble.
Things "just seem to work out" when I do more than sit back. I'm no scholar, but I think actively seeking to know Jesus better through small groups, tithing, service, asking Him for help during trials, and keeping an eye fixed on eternity has made all the difference.
Sam, thank you for sharing and I will be praying for you. As I am drawn every day to pray for our community, I go out on my patio that overlooks Redmond with a scenery that is so captivating. I call it God's canvas and my secret hiding place. Here in the stillness of an early morning sunrise or the brisk coldness of a night's winter wonderland my heart is calmed and I feel the touch of my Father's hand on my shoulder showing me the wonders He has set out for His people.
Donna & Sam:
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience here. Several of our friends are more shy and chose to share with me offline.
Lately my favorite way of connecting with God is sitting in an overstuffed chair at a coffee shop, drinking a hot coffee and writing in my journal.
God is gracious to meet with us in many different ways.
I feel closest to God when I am completely alone and sitting at my piano or kneeling in a quiet room with my face to the floor. It’s just God and me. When I pour out every thought, every sin, every concern, every question, every need before Him, I am graciously filled with His Holy Sprit and my strength is renewed. And in that strength I praise Him for his Worthiness, His Holiness, His mercy, and His compassion, His forgiveness and His Joy. And with a thankful and forgiven heart, my spirit is at complete peace. It is the most amazing gift God has given us, Fellowship with Him, one on One.
I feel very close to God when I am quiet and ask Him to come close to me. Recently, I had a very close friend visit me and on her last day here she helped me to some odd jobs around my house - as she was working, I had a Christian radio station on...my house was full of peace and God was there in spades!
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