By Annette Marie Carr
Every committed relationship (even friendship) requires intentional one on one communication for the deepest intimate love and strength of connectivity.
The best relationships dedicate extra time to set aside the day to day busyness of life and to spend quality times that rekindle and build deeper love. There will always be a never ending, ever increasing task list. It takes sincere effort to create space for decent quality time.
Too often I let myself get so busy that I have a hard time slowing down enough to eat, let alone stop and spend quality time to communicate solely with my truest love, the LORD Jesus Christ.
Yet He is so merciful. No matter how much time I spend with Him, He refreshes me.
I short change myself, doing the more talk than listen prayers and rushed devotions. I love studying, study groups, church, and fellowship so this requires no effort at all. Yet I desire, yearn for, and NEED a deeper intimacy. Much deeper.
I know full well that the amount of time and what I do (or don't do) for Him in no way determines the depth of His love for me. He cannot possibly love me more or less.
All He wants from me is relationship. And when I received Him, acknowledged that He is LORD, I became His daughter. And any good parent desires a deep, intimate relationship with their children.
When I finally set aside that special solo time with Him, He lavishes me with refreshment and deepens my knowledge of His love for not only me but for ALL people. This creates a response in me to love Him and His people.
And THAT is my heart's desire. To know Him and make Him known.
Matthew 22:37-40 NIV
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Isn't it amazing that we are so loved we can't even comprehend how much and how pure it is and merciful and never ending?! You said it so well! And Like you, I need to learn to meditate and wait to hear his voice. Often times the still small voice in my heart speaks to me and answers my questions the second I ask in prayer and I trust it is the Lord. Because often the answer is not what I want to hear! But I recognize it immediately as the right thing to do, think or feel. But to just be still and silent and wait on the Lord...I need to understand how to do this better. Thanks for this post, Annette! Your words are always inspirational!
ReplyDeleteYour prayer connection inspires me immensely. Many times I have sent you a prayer request and when your response cane it was crystal clear that God heard you and answered you.
ReplyDeletePlus, you and I have vigorously fought many spiritual battles together though prayerful intervention. So it's truly an honorto know that I can inspire you!
You're not kidding. The Lord hears and answers yours pretty fast too!! Your prayers for our household have been deeply felt here and have helped more than a few times. Especially in areas of protection. I will be forever grateful!
ReplyDeleteWe are proof this online friendship can be authentic! Since we first met through BetterPhoto site in 2007 you have become one of my very small inner circle. I often pray that God would soon allow you, Leelee and I to meet face to face, here on Earth! But it sure hasn't stopped us three from becoming the best of friends and sisters! 💖🐷🍒🍒🍒🐷💖
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