trbccoffeebreak

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”  1 Chronicles 16:10  (NIV)

Thanksgiving is just about upon us this year. Our thoughts immediately go to how long it will take to thaw that turkey, how many relatives and friends will be at our table, where we will seat the young ones, who will make the green bean casserole, and a zillion other details.

We also think of the things we are thankful for. We’re grateful for God’s salvation, provision, protection, merciful kindness, family, Christian friendships, and on and on. But there is one thing I sometimes neglect to thank Him for: the intimacy He allows me to share with Him.

Intimacy is a relationship, the closest possible fellowship and unity. One of the distinguishing features of Christianity is that it is not a religion; it is a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Of all the other gods that people worship, the only one offering a personal walk together is our living God, the great I AM. The very thought is breathtaking!

Can you know God intimately? Yes! First, you must trust Him, and believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised again. There is no intimacy without trust. Then, you must repent and align yourself with His will. Receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord and commit to following Him.

Now that you have a restored relationship with Him, you can begin to grow closer. It doesn’t come all at once. The longer you are with Him, the deeper it grows. Learn to listen to His voice as you converse with Him, and as you go through your daily life. Study His Word, which is a love letter to you. Recognize His hand at work around you. He is always there with you, no matter where you are. It is so worth seeking Him with all your heart. He will teach you great and unsearchable things you don’t know (Jer. 33:3) and give you experiences you could never have apart from Him. Your life will slowly be transformed.

So spend time with Him, and listen eagerly for His still, small voice as He speaks to you privately. Observe what He is doing. Share Him with others.

My prayer for you this Thanksgiving is that you will know that deep, satisfying relationship with our Lord, that it will remain alive and active and fill your heart with joy. Never let the distractions of this world cause you to neglect it.

“Father, we long for a close, intimate relationship with You. Teach us Your ways, so we may know You more deeply than we have ever known You before.”

 For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams
TRBC Women’s Life