New Blogpost Series on Staying Connected with God:
How’s your connection to God these days?
For some, you might be very aware of God’s presence. Maybe he has been the one to get you through some rough times, or maybe you’re delighting in a season where things are going really well, and you are thankful to him for that. On the other hand, some of you may feel a strong disconnect. You might not feel like God is near, or that he isn’t listening to your prayers because things seem to be going drastically different than you’d like. Maybe you’re somewhere in between, and some days are good and some are sort of lackluster.
Personally, I find that when I’m too distracted or worried about something, I can focus more on the problem than the one who can solve the problem. Plus, when worried about one thing, it can often lead to worrying about another thing, and another, and another, and so on, similar to when you decide to improve one small thing in the house, and suddenly you notice fifteen other things wrong.
For the past few months, I’ve made a conscious effort to spend more time focusing on passages in the Bible that reorient my thinking toward God - his power, his love, his protection, his presence, and his promises. I wish I could say that once I read a passage, I’ve completely conquered the problem of worry and distraction. But instead what I know is that it takes constant and consistent reminders to keep my heart and mind focused on him as I go throughout my day. Put simply, I need to STAY. IN. GOD’S. WORD.
Unlike some things in life that we can eventually master and not need to practice much anymore, faith and growth in God is a constant journey, and a never-ending learning. Even if a passage is familiar, I need to treat it with fresh eyes because there’s always something more there for me when I do this. And if a passage is unfamiliar or difficult, I need to stick with it and find the right resources and people to bring clarity and better understanding.
So, to begin this series of devotions to stay close with God, I will be focusing on Psalm 37. Rather than talk about the entire Psalm all at once, I’m going to share separate posts that focus on one or two verses at a time that stood out to me, that caught my attention for this specific time in my life. Then I plan to move on to another passage that has helped me feel closer to God and do the same for several posts.
I hope these reflections help you on your faith walk, whether you need a starting place to begin reading God’s word or simply want a supplement to your current reading plan. With the passages I choose, you will likely find other things that stand out to you that I may not mention. If so, go with them. Write them down, think on them, pray about them, look them up on apps like Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway or any other place you like that gives you more insight. Trust God to speak to you and to come near as you do, and see what happens.
James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (ESV)
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Part of the reason I do this is because writing is the thing that helps me hear and know God more. I also love hearing and reading others’ thoughts, so please feel comfortable sharing your thoughts too at any time.
I look forward to sharing my reflection on Psalm 37:4-5 in the next post. Until then, I pray you feel God’s presence and love with you.
In Love and Prayer,
Dianne