I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Easter! Knowing that Jesus is risen and alive forever is comforting and inspiring! He is still speaking to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, guiding us into real life. Let's read Isaiah 64:5-12 and let the power of Easter Sunday continue on Monday.
When my kids used to really want my attention and I was busy and trying to get away, they would both grab one of my legs and wrap themselves around it, sitting Indian style on my foot. They had a steel grip and I couldn't shake them off, so if I wanted to move I had to take one step at a time with a huge ankle weight attached! Sometimes it was a bit aggrevating because I was stuck. Basically immobile. But one thing for sure is that they got my attention.
Among the many rich thoughts in this text, this one is a needed reminder to me:
No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you. (v. 7)
It makes me think, when is the last time I tried to wrap myself around God's leg? How often do I want God's attention bad enough to reach out and try to grab him by the arm? Or when is the last time I wrapped my arms around him and clung to him? Obviously, this is a spiritual and not a physical move. But it is real nonetheless.
I love the statements in Scripture that assure me that God is holding me, that he has me in his hand. But if I want to really be close to God and experience his presence powerfully in my life it's no surprise that it takes more than a casual, half-hearted prayer or a ritualistic approach to God. I have to want him enough to lay hold of him. There is a difference between simply praying and calling on God's name. Both are good but the kind of prayers that take me closer to God are the ones when I call out to him with some intensity and an authentic sense of dependence.
Interesting, God not only pursues me; he likes to be pursued. He loves to see me desire him and his attention enough to refuse to let him walk on by. When I attach myself around his ankles and look up, he smiles back down at me. And God's smile...well, it changes everything!
Father, I need you and I need your blessing. I realize that I need to be more intent and more active in seeking your attention. Not because you are sometimes too busy and preoccupied. But because I am. Today, Lord, I will call on your name and try to reach out and lay hold of you. Amen.
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Funny.... when I was little, my dad used to dance me around the room while I stood on his feet. It was my FAVORITE thing to do. I was the belle of the ball. We'd waltz around the room and I imagine now, that it was probably a hard thing to do with a 5 yr old on the top of your feet. As an adult, I remember a particular trying time in life. I was crying out so hard to God, literally crying myself to sleep. I had a dream... it showed me that God was my heavenly Father and He has me dancing on His feet. And there I am, on His feet, and He is waltzing me around the room. It was a beautiful realization and a pivotal time in my life. Every now and then, I'll come across a bump in the road, and I picture myself, letting God lead the way, guiding me on His feet..........
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful thought, Kristal! Oh, how we need to allow God to literally carry us at times! Life can throw some pretty tough curve balls and there is no way that we can get through on our own!
ReplyDeleteI love the example of God allowing us to stand or dance on his feet or even cling to his arm. He does want us to pursue him and, unfortunately, we are more likely to do that when times are tough.
Michele
Enjoyed that story, Kristal. Thanks!
ReplyDelete