Stay Close

I've been thinking a deep thought lately.

We have no problem asking God for help, guidance, and protection during tough times.

I know so many people who wouldn't consider themselves "spiritual," who, when faced with suffering, tragedy, or loss, get on their knees and run to God for help.

I certainly feel so much closer to God when things are hard.

I feel Him so close to me when I need His protection the most.

But then, the storms pass, situations resolve, time heals, and I return to my regularly scheduled programming of self-sufficiency.

I'm like, "Thanks for your help, God; I'll reach out again when I need something."

Then, I'm off to make my own way.

That is until another issue arises. Then, I'm making a beeline back to God.

Back and forth. Push and pull.

I confess I can act like a selfish teenager when it comes to my relationship with God.

I noticed this lately as I've been writing.

When we were going through some tough times on this journey, it was as if God himself was writing the words.

When things settled down, I felt less holy inspiration and relied more on my thoughts and inspirational musings.

Then it hit me.

I can't just come close to God when I need something from Him. I don't like it when my kids do that, and I certainly don't want to do that to God.

I want, no, I NEED to stay as close to God as possible, especially when I don't need something from Him.

As I sit here and write, I'm in a hotel lobby. I just paused and imagined God sitting next to me, snuggled in nice and close. I looked up and saw all the people coming and going, some looking really stressed and angry.

I prayed for blessings to be with them and for love and light to surround them.

I looked around at all the beautiful architecture and decor and marveled at how God inspires us to create beauty.

I walked outside and breathed in the fresh morning air, grateful to be alive and safe.

I imagined God walking with me, giving me a tour of this beautiful world I get to be a part of.

There are so many things I take for granted.

So many things are happening that I barely notice or marvel at.

I then began to tear up, feeling so much love in my heart.

God is so good.

How does His love flow so deeply despite all I have done and how far I have roamed?

How does He continually love me when our relationship is often one-sided? How does He not get frustrated and annoyed and just give up on me?

God's love really, truly astounds me.

I don't know how He does it, but I'm sure glad He never leaves me, even when I'm not paying attention to Him.

I want to stay as close to God as I can. In the good times and the bad times. When I need Him or to simply hang out with Him, no strings attached.

God is with us always and forever.

Let's choose to stay close to Him, always and forever.

Psalm 143: 7-8

Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me

or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

James 4: 8

Come near to God, and He will come near to you.

Proverbs 8:17

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.