Communication is usually the key. The necessary ingredient in relationship.
This is true with my husband and me. Misunderstandings come up, and life gets a bit too full, and before we know it, we can lose touch, finding ourselves wondering why we feel unrest, a lack of peace, and joy in our relationship.
And when I'm feeling dry, and distant from God, it's usually the missing ingredient. I've either neglected to spend time reading His thoughts, or been too busy to slow my mind and heart to the point where I can really listen and hear when He is saying. And then I find myself not wanting to share my thoughts with Him, thinking instead that I can handle things on my own.
As the level of communication fades, we lose touch. And we lose perspective. The sense of companionship is gone, and we lose our way. It may feel right for awhile, but sooner or later, we find ourselves on a path that is leading us in the opposite direction of where we really long to go.
"Keep company with Me,
and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
(from Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)
Keeping company with someone we love, a continual dialogue, listening to our Creator, reading His Words, listening to His Spirit within us, bringing our concerns to Him instead of worrying, thanking Him for His gifts - a two-way dialogue. Every day, all day, "without ceasing". (I Thess. 5:17)
There is so much to learn about this precious privilege of prayer, but at the very core is this one thing - relationship, keeping company with. Real heart-to-heart communication; the connecting of hearts that is so essential to oneness.
"In closeness to Me, you are safe.
In the intimacy of My Presence, you are energized.
No matter where you are in the world,
you know you belong when you sense My nearness.
Ever since the Fall, man has experienced
a gaping emptiness that only My Presence can fill.
I designed you for close communication with your Creator."
(Jesus Calling)
Loving Lord, thank You for continually bringing me back to the heart of prayer. For pulling me away from the "to do" list of prayer, and drawing me back to relationship, to First Love.
(Photo above taken on beautiful, restful Cape Cod during our recent trip through the New England states - spending time in close connection with my husband, and with God.)
Heart Connect: Living a Life of Prayer
Click here to read previous posts on this series.
Work in Progress Wednesday
Faith Barista
Life in Bloom
Thought Provoking Thursday
Faith Filled Friday
Playdates with God
Hear It on Sunday, Use It on Monday
Soli Deo Gloria
On Your Heart Tuesday
Heart and Home
Yes, our safety is in Him, our everything..
ReplyDeleteCherry- Thank you for the reminder that the key to relationship is "keeping company." I also like how you said that you listen for His thoughts...sometimes I get so task oriented that I just read the word instead of tuning in...glad you have had some time away with your husband and God...on Wednesdays I've been blogging about a rich time away my husband and I and God had on Lake Michigan...www.nourishsoul.blogspot
ReplyDeleteYes, oh yes. Keeping that heart of prayer. So beautiful... Pam, Apples of Gold
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to remember that communication goes both ways with God. So often we want to talk talk talk but not stop to listen and soak in His word. Thanks for linking up with WIP!
ReplyDeleteNice reminder.
ReplyDeleteThis is the sweetest truth, Cherry. Every relationship takes time invested, doesn't it? Thanks for this reminder. When I am feeling empty, I know where I need to turn.
ReplyDelete