Feeling Disconnected from God?
Do you ever feel a disconnect from the Lord? As I came home tonight, I felt stressed and distracted. I had a hard day at work and didn't sleep much last night. I really just felt like taking a bath, putting on something comfy and vegetating in front of the television. Do you ever feel like that?
Fortunately, that's not an option for me... well, not until I spend time with Jesus. There's nothing more important than that. As human beings, that battle comes along quite often... so how do we focus our heart and thoughts on Him when the truth is... we just don't feel like it?
I start with reading my Bible. It says that we are washed in God's Word. It cleanses us of the garbage that's filling our mind and replaces it with His truth. Tonight, I had to reread it a few times when I started out. It took a while to focus on the words instead of rushing through, just to get finished. Yeah, I'm ashamed to admit that and it's not how I normally feel, but since I know that many of you deal with the same battles. I just want to be real and walk you through my process of having a productive and fulfilling time in God's presence, even when my flesh wants to do something different.
After I finish reading... He has a little more of my attention, but the truth is, I'm still not fully connected... so I begin to worship. I spend time in adoration of Jesus, my Father God and the Holy Spirit. Though the 3 are 1 they are also individuals who enjoy time with us and our praise. Actually, the Word of God says that God inhabits the praises of His people. You can't worship very long without realizing just how wonderful He is and soon, He'll get all of your attention... once that happens and your fully focused, no longer distracted by anything else, you'll feel His presence envelop you and at that moment... nothing else matters...
Even if you don't have time to pray (it wasn't about prayer tonight) take time to praise Him for what He's done for you and worship Him for who He is. As your eyes are removed from your own needs, stresses and desires... you'll find rest, joy and peace in His presence.
It's funny, as I finish writing this, we get a call from someone who is coming by, in desperate need of prayer. I'm glad I was bathed in God's presence and ready to minister, instead of stressed out and focused on the television. The presence of God was tangible and here to help someone else in the midst of their need. I'm so glad I didn't miss that!
Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s Word
Psalm 22:3 (KJV) But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT) Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV) You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
