God, are you there?

When was the last time you cried out to God? Was it when you were in some sort of need? Perhaps things weren’t going your way and out of desperation you called out to him. Your experience would be pretty typical of most and even for those who darken the door of the church. I think we would be surprised to know what a backseat role the Almighty takes in the life of many who worship regularly. For many, Jesus is the genie in the bottle we rub when we need something. I must confess that at times in my relationship with God this has been the case. I have used God and cried out to him when I needed him and then regulated him to sitting the bench when I didn’t. The thing is; even when I have turned my back on Him, He did not turn his back on me. He accepted me and loved me and waited for me to turn to Him.
These days I have been reminded that God wants to have a personal relationship with me. A relationship is two ways. One person shares the other listens and responds, and then vice versa. I think a lot of people give up on their “relationship” with God because they never heard from Him. They did all the talking or asking and then didn’t see him work. They never heard Him say anything. It’s like hoping Santa will bring you something and you find out there is no Santa. And then one thinks, “Is God just some kind of fairytale?” Again, I must confess that this has been my experience as well. There are times in my relationship with God where He has felt really distant and nonexistent.
I am reminded of the numerous people I know that once had vibrant relationships with God and are now disillussioned or just don’t care at all. Many people often go through their lives with God on the sidelines. He is relegated to the role of backup goalie and only comes into the game of our lives when all hope is lost. Hey it’s time to throw in Jesus and He will make the save! Or so we hope.
My encouragement is to take some time and reaquaint yourself with the Almighty. Don’t wait for disaster to strike again before you turn your attention to Him. He wants you to know Him. Learn to listen for His voice and just hang out with Him. Take that Bible off the shelf and ask Him to speak to you once again.

Matthew 7:6-8 (New Living Translation)
6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
Effective Prayer
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.