The other night I was thinking about all the past events of my life thus far. They were mainly the events that took place in which I encountered a crossroads – where I had or chose to make a decision that altered the course of my life. And, I was thinking about how through the majority of them God did not play a part in the decisions I made. Not because He didn't want to, but because I didn't let Him. Never once did I ask Him via prayer what He might want me to do and never once did I take into consideration what Christ Jesus would have done while he lived on this earth. I have to wonder now, how different my life might have been had I made God a part of my every decision making process.
I know for certain that had I drawn closer to God earlier on in my life I would have made many different decisions. I also know that the decisions I did make with God in mind, would have had many different outcomes. Rather than walking my own path, I would have been walking the one God had in mind for me. That doesn't mean that my life would have been any easier than it was, but it does mean that I would have remained pleasing in His sight and if you have true faith in God you know that all He wants is for our best interests. On top of that, He provides for and rewards those who remain true to Him. His faithful love is constant.
Exodus 34:6 "Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,"
Sometimes flipping through the TV channels I come across different talk shows where guests are shown arguing and hating one another, beating one another up, complaining about relatives and loved ones, and giving accounts of different hardships they've faced in their lives and all I can think now that I have drawn closer to God is, "If only they had God in their lives, things wouldn't seem so complicated."
And I don't mean just believing in God, but truly having Him in their life to a point to where God is the one they go to first before, over and above anyone else. Many people who believe in God still choose the advice of friends, family, talk show hosts and therapists when God has provided us with not only His Word via the Holy Scriptures but also a direct link to our hearts in which to communicate with Him. HE truly is all we need if only we draw closer to Him.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands.
Has someone wronged you? What a simple solution forgiveness is. And there's no need for revenge because when you draw closer to Father you know that He is your protector. He will right all wrongs.
Psalm 36:7 God, Your faithful love is so valuable that people take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
Do you struggle with forgiveness or need forgiveness for yourself?
Matthew 18:21-23 Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?" "I tell you, not as many as seven," Jesus said to him, "but 70 times seven."
Numbers 14:18 The LORD is slow to anger and rich in faithful love, forgiving wrongdoing and rebellion.
Are you lonely? We are never truly alone because God is always with us.
John 16:32 Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
Are you confused? God's Word will point out the way and prayer will provide an avenue in which to receive valuable life saving counsel.
Isaiah 29:24 Those who are confused will gain understanding
Are you hurting? God will take away your pain if only you ask Him to heal your heart.
Psalm 109:26 Help me, LORD my God; save me according to Your faithful love
Have your earthly parents, family or siblings disappointed you? God is our true Father and the Father of all creation. He will not desert those who do not desert Him.
Are you angry? Turn to God and He will comfort you.
Zephaniah 3:17 He will bring [you] quietness with His love.
Are you faced with a decision to make? Consult the Word and God via prayer. The answer will be made known to you.
Psalm 85:12 the LORD will provide what is good
Are you struggling with an addition? Let go and let God. He will take your hand and lead you to a safe place where via knowledge and wisdom there is no need to escape reality via drugs or alcohol because once you draw closer to Him, He takes care of all your needs and provides you with a reality you can handle rather than one that is a daily struggle.
More than anything God wants His children to draw closer to Him. He wants what any good parent wants; a loving relationship with His children. But, it's a two way street and God has given us free will to make our own decisions. He is waiting for you. All you need to do is make the choice to draw closer to Him and experience an overwhelming love like no other.
Joshua 3:9 "Come closer and listen to the words of the Lord your God."
Exodus 15:13 You will lead the people You have redeemed with Your faithful love; You will guide [them] to Your holy dwelling with Your strength.