Since I got really busy at work early this month I have not been spending much time at all reading God's word or praying. Besides Christmas morning I think I've barely read my bible at all. I usually love getting up early to spend that peaceful, precious quiet time, but I've had no desire. I've just been sleeping in as late as Gianna would let me.
And man have I felt blah! Totally disconnected from God.
Especially the last few days. Yesterday I didn't get out of my pajamas and had to force myself to straighten up the house. Not that I don't have days like those when I'm spending time with God, but I just felt especially empty. Like I used to. I just wanted to lay on the couch and watch t.v. and live vicariously through other people. I hardly ever watch t.v. anymore and Gianna didn't like me cutting into her regular programming, haha.
But this morning I woke up with that wide awake feeling at 5 am for the first time I think in weeks. I went into the living room and was praying by the glow of the Christmas tree. And I could just feel God. Can't really explain it, sounds crazy to some I'm sure. But its just a warmth in my heart and a gentle overall comfort.
And I thanked him for always being there. Always waiting for us to come closer, to come back. We can turn away from him. Make the t.v. a higher priority than him. Not take the effort to kneel down for a moment to the one who has given us all we possess and experience. Live life as if he doesn't really matter at all.
But he is so gracious and forgiving and compassionate and loving that he waits for us with open arms.
So after I prayed for a bit I got up to put on some tea. I grabbed my phone and checked out a devotional I love that I normally read everyday but haven't checked since before Christmas.
The scripture for today was:
"Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 1:3 (NIV)
It is all about what I was just praying about!
Here's an excerpt from it:
God wants us to return to Him. He stands waiting with open arms, at the ready to return to us. When He sees us coming, He runs to meet us. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him" (Luke 15:20b, NIV).
You can read the whole thing here: http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/
(the entry for Dec. 30th)
So after this I did my study on David which I also haven't done in well over a week. And today's happens to be about David and his son Absalom who he'd been estranged from. And the author in talking about this goes into the story of the prodigal son, as mentioned in the verse above from the devotional!
You can read the entire passage here:
Here's an explanation of the passage I just googled:
The father is a picture of the Heavenly Father. God waits patiently, with loving compassion to restore us when we return to him with humble hearts. He offers us everything in his kingdom, restoring full relationship with joyful celebration. He doesn't even dwell on our past waywardness.
It brings to mind the good old Richard Marx song, lol.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you.
Thank God : )
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