Most mornings begin with Oswald Chambers and his book "My Utmost For His Highest". His thoughts have a way of touching my spirit and clearing away the cobwebs that distract me. Several days ago while reading his devotional his thoughts again carried me closer to God. I wish I were able to thank him for his ministry that has touched so many lives.
He said, "Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God's work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed." And then he added, "The first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances."
The thought of having the oneness with God that Jesus did is mind boggling. Is it possible? What a glorious thought! Some day.
I long to know God, truly know Him. Christ's sacrifice opened the door to that kind of relationship, but there is something I must do--surrender. I need to offer up all of me to Him. I remember many years ago when this thought first presented itself to me. I was terrified. What if God wanted me to become a minister in Africa or something like that? The idea was just too scary. But I soon saw that no matter where it was that God called me it was the best place for me. I needed to trust Him.
It is my heart's cry to know God well, to draw so close to Him that I know His every thought, His heart, and to feel His presence in every moment. I'm not there and while tied to this earth will never be. But I press closer. It is in that closeness that I will find Him, along with true joy, peace, and contentment. He is everything.
God offers rivers of living water -- rivers that run deep, cool and powerful. Rivers that never dry up. Rivers that will always refresh and strengthen his children. All we need is to thirst and drink.
I'm commited to seek after Him, to desire His will and His love, and to push aside all other distractions. Again and again I must yield myself to Him. Join me. Shall we pray for one another and discover our God together?
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
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yup--again 'n again I must yield. I'm with ya on that! Have a great Labor Day weekend!
ReplyDeleteSuch comfort knowing there are those who will come alongside and pray.
ReplyDeletePraising God.
Bonnie
Wonderful post and quote, Bonnie. Just what I needed for today. It's amazing when we focus on the irritability our circumstances bring that we lose our joy completely. Wonderful to hear anew that peace comes from resting in Him and His sweet fellowship. Here's a verse I found this week that ties in nicely with what you've said- "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI love that verse! What a beautiful picture -- resting between his shoulders. Love it, love it, love it.
Thanks so much for sharing the verse with us.
Blessings to you,
Bonnie