I was thinking about the fact that God wants relationship with us. Jesus really DOES want to be your best friend. The old hymn “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” is so true.
Friendship with God is like any other friendship—you have to make time for it. If you don’t make time for your human friends, they’re not really your friends. If God is going to be your best friend, you’ve got to give him your best time. If you want to build a deep relationship with God, you have to slow down and be quiet. The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).
To know God better, you have to be still. And a great way to be still with God is by having a daily quiet time with him. Psalm 25:14 reminds us: “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.”
Many people don’t know God. They haven’t experienced his love. They don’t know why he does what he does. Yet the Bible says that friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him—in other words, those who slow down and spend time with him.
What would a friendship be like if you never invested your time in it? Friendships need attention. You will never know God intimately if you only go to church services.
You will never know God intimately if you never read God’s Word and ask him, “God, is there anything you want to say to me?” You don’t have to use any fancy phrases or words. Just talk to him authentically. And then listen!
The Message Bible says it like this: “When you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production. . . . Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace” (Matthew 6:5-6).
Make it a plan this month to slow down several times, focus on God, and listen as he speaks to you about his grace.
Let me ask you? What distractions keep you from being still before God? How can you limit those distractions? Why is it sometimes easier or more enjoyable to watch TV or spend time with your friends than with God? What do you miss out on when you give in to those feelings? Think about it!
It’s Good to be your pastor!
In The Lord’s service till the last fish is caught<><
Pastor Chris
