I'm as close as I'm going to get

I just finished reading The Shack. Yes, I’m behind in my reading. I know everyone has read the book and loves it. I love it too. I had a fear that I would be bored. But, I wasn’t. It really made me think about how I view God and His interactions in the lives of His children. If you haven’t read the book, don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil it for you.

God has really been speaking to me lately about focusing on Him. I talked about that in my last blog but it is amazing to me how much He must want me to know this principle. He is bringing to me over and over again in different ways.

I was talking with my daughter the other day. I asked her to pray that I would grow closer to the LORD. She responded with, “I’m sorry, Mom, but you are as close as you are going to get with God.” Imagine my horror. No! This can’t be. She continued, “Christ already lives within you and you live within Him. How much closer can you get than that, Mom?”

I chewed on those words. She’s right. When God found me and accepted me into His family, He gave me everything I need to live this new life. He gave me His forgiveness because His Son paid my penalty for sin. He has given me Christ’s righteousness. He has given me freedom to live in relationship with Him. He has given me His grace and mercy. Oh! and His awesome love.

How can I not be close to Him? By living in my own emotions. I am learning that I cannot trust my emotions. They react to what is going on in my mind. I can sit down on my comfortable couch with a bowl full of popcorn and a Pepsi to sip on ready to watch a movie. As I watch the movie I will find myself caught up in what is going on and my emotions are engaged. If the movie is frightening, my heart begins to beat faster, I become afraid. But, why? It’s just a movie. It’s not real. It is because my react to my thoughts.

This realization lets me know that I must allow God to renew my mind. This is how I learn to co

ntrol my emotions and not let them rule over me. Is this making any sense? It was such an eye-opener for me. I was always trying to control my emotions and failed miserably (ask my family). Now, I am learning I need to allow God to renew my mind daily so that His Spirit can lead me, live through me.

God is so good. He is so patient with me as He teaches me to give my life fully to Him.

Thanks for listening…