It is really easy for us to think we are distant from the Lord. But, are we ever really far away from Him? The past few weeks the Lord has been reminding me how relational He is. The Bible even says He is jealous for us! A quote I love from my pastor, Micah Grindle is “He is the only person in the universe that can be jealous and not sin.” This quote reminded me how He seeks all of us and He desires for us to seek all of Him. ““Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20 NLT
Here’s the issue, you ready? Comparison. My mom used to tell me all the time growing up “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This has been proven to be true in my life, comparison DOES steal our joy. I tend to look at other believers around me and begin to compare their walks with Christ to my walk with Christ. They seem to be getting major revelations, hearing Gods voice clearly and walking in step with the Holy Spirit. I set the standards for myself higher than I can reach. I tend to fall into the trap of looking for God to speak to me the way I see working for other people around me. Here’s the thing, God might not speak to you the way He speaks to the people around you. Personally God speaks to me the most in worship, specifically when I’m driving. I feel His presence the most outside in nature, walking, hiking and exploring Gods creation.
How does God speak to you? Where do you feel His presence? Is it reading the Bible, during worship, working out, doing your hobby, driving, etc. ? You might have to look for the ways God wants speaks to you, seek Him out! He is seeking you out, BUT you might be seeking Him in the wrong place! Because God is relational He will speak to us in ways that we will receive them best! He even knows you better than you know yourself. If you’re unsure about how God speaks to you, the easiest way to hear His voice is to read the Bible. The Bible is the living breathing word of God! Seek Him in all that you do, everywhere you go, you might hear Him speak in a different way than you have been expecting Him to speak. You might feel His presence in a different way than you expected to feel it. Shift your focus onto your relationship with Christ and be open to hearing His voice in ways you may not have expected it.
Practical advice:
Start paying attention to the different ways the Lord can speak/is speaking to you PERSONALLY.
Prayer:
“Lord, reveal yourself to me. Show me your deep love for me. Remind me to look for you. Thank you for pursuing me even when I overlook it. Help me see you in new ways and experience your presence in a deeper way. Amen”
Verses:
James 4:8 (NLT)
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Galatians 6:4–5 (NLT)
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Definitions:
Jealous (Gods jealousy) –
God’s deep, protective love for us. Unlike human jealousy rooted in insecurity, God’s jealousy is pure and means He wants our whole hearts because He knows He is what is best for us.
The Living Word –
The Bible is not just an old book — it is active and relevant. God uses Scripture to speak personally, guide, correct, and encourage us today.
Walking in Step with the Holy Spirit –
Choosing to follow the guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit daily instead of following your own impulses.
Seeking God –
Intentionally pursuing time and connection with Him — through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, or simply inviting Him into your daily life.
Relational (When describing God) –
God desires connection, not just rule-following. He wants a real, personal relationship with you — talking, listening, walking through life together.
