A Word From God

Ever feel like your connection is blocked with God? I ran into this situation this week. I went to my place to receive and nothing came.

“What is up with this?” I thought. I felt like I wasn’t getting anything from God. It was like I was one of Pevensie children going to the wardrobe and finding only fur coats and the back of the wardrobe. The way back into Narnia was closed off. (Just like there are other ways into Narnia, God wants us to use other outlets to draw close to Him or else the repetition of the one outlet can become a "religious" notion or activity. God is not interested in religion but a faith/ relationship with him. Besides God knows what happens to us if things become repetitious- they become routine and God is anything but routine.)

I knew nothing else would satisfy my need but a word from God and I was thirsty to hear from him. I don’t like to go without hearing something from the Lord. Not just that but I needed something, God wanted me to teach to His young adult bible study class.

I read my bible and it seemed like nothing was “sticking” or saying, “Here I am!”

I didn’t give up.

I went to my journal and started to write about life and out came “authority” and “the seven deadly sins.” (The seven deadly sins are not mentioned directly but indirectly in God’s word.)

Out of seven deadly sins came mental pictures of the Dawn Treader movie. Seven…. Seven… seven swords!!!! The swords had to be laid together at the great lion Aslan’s table in order for the courageous voyagers to defeat the mysterious evil spirit fog.

Interesting. We must lay or nail our sinful nature daily at the cross of Jesus in order to defeat evil in our lives.... this is the place where Authority to begins. (Remember to apply- seeking God's mercy in order to be empowered by God’s grace.) Authority needs to start in our own lives first.

I was then reminded again to think of all God is and then reminded of a statement that said, “You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.”

When we are reminded and are spoken to about certain phrases or words we must search for them in our bible like lost dear friends. God’s words are precious spiritual jewels.

I came to find the phrase in Isaiah 41:16

“You will toss them in the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. And the joy of the LORD will fill you to overflowing. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.”

Wow!

I continued to read and I saw a more. God will not withhold his word. He will not forsake us. He will give us a word in all seasons of our life. He will give us a word when we are spiritually on a high plateau, in the valleys, in the deserts and on the dry parched ground. He planted us on this earth to reveal his glory in this world. All other things in life such as money, possessions, prideful achievements, etc can never sustain us. God is the only one who knows our needs! He knows our future! He's our only and true sustainer.

This silence or block connection was like a test and instead of turning to other things that might take the place of God in that day, I continued to pursue God.

He then took me to Jeremiah 9:23

This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise man gloat in his wisdom, or the mighty man in his might, or the rich man in his riches. Let them boast in this alone that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who is just and righteous, whose love is unfailing, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

I was then taken to the book of James chapter 1:12

“God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. “

Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or cast shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possessions.” James 1:17

It can be difficult to feel like we are not getting anything from the Lord. Sometimes we just need to take a break and sometimes we need to choose another avenue or outlet such as journaling, prayer, singing and praising and meditating on who God is and what He has done for us. So don’t turn on the television or a video game or do something that has nothing do to with God- at least don’t overindulge in those things so you are full of those worldly things and leave no room for God. And don’t get angry and overly frustrated but humble yourself before the Holy One- the Almighty One!

“My brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight. So get rid of all filth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls. And remember, it is a message to obey, not just listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself. For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law- the law that set you free- and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:19-25

And what is God’s wonderful law that sets us free?

Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:37-40

I hope this encourages you to continue seeking and pursing God even if at first you don’t seem to be getting anything.

God loves you and wants a relationship with you!