During the past month I have been preaching a series entitled "Really Knowing Jesus." I have been thinking about, talking about, and praying about having a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is predicated upon an ongoing intimacy with Christ. That intimacy, for most "believers" is lacking. I find that the intimacy is often lacking in my own life.
I found myself writing in my journal today asking God to open my eyes to the places in which he is revealing himself to me, where he is working in my life, and where he may be found in others and the world around me. This prayer is the heart of "God with Us." I have come to realize that the times when I do not recognize God near to me, when I can't hear his voice, are my fault, not his.
I ran across this quotation today.
God is not real to most of us because of the condition of our consciousness. He is closer to our minds every moment than your own thoughts. He is nearer to our hearts than our own feelings. He is more intimate with our wills than our most vigorous decisions. If we are not aware of him, it is not because he is not with us. It is, in part, because our consciousness is so under the sway of other interest that it cannot turn to him with the loving attention which might soon discern him.
-Albert Edward Day
Discipline and Discover
quoted in A Guide to Prayer, p. 36
I pray that you will come to open your eyes and ears, cast off the business of the world and see God with you this advent season.
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