As human
beings we long for deep connections and we attempt to discover this link with
other human beings, a career, a pet or a cause. We can try for a lifetime and
find fulfillment in many ways, but we are still left unsatisfied and wanting
more.
As a single
person, our life is not deprived; and as a married person, our life is not
automatically fulfilled. Our social, occupational, financial and marital status, nor the
number of children or grandchildren in our life, cannot bring us true and
abundant fulfillment.
Our greatest
human need is to intimately connect to the family of God, because we are all
one Body of Christ with each of us linked in as an integral part of the Body. When
one member is not there, the whole Body suffers.
We start by
forming a love bond with God, our Father, through the sacrifice of Jesus, our
Brother, by the connection to them afforded to us by God's Holy Spirit through salvation
(Matthew 22:37-40).
Following
our own or Satan's plan for our life will leave us lifeless and depleted; but
walking in the Spirit brings fullness of joy (John 10:10). Only God can grant
us the premier and most fulfilling rewards in this life and the next.
God does not
require that we make our self holy before experiencing this intimacy, which He
makes available to us. However, we do grieve and quench His Spirit through
disobedience to His Word (Ephesians 4:30-31; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).
The greatest
gift of all is Christ in us in whom we find abundant life in spirit, soul and
body. He wants no competition for our affections and is jealous of our time
spent away from Him pursuing things of this world (Exodus 34:14).
God is always
there within us (Hebrews 13:5), comforting us in our tears, nurturing us in our
fears and insecurities, turning us from sin, loving us unconditionally and
guiding us by His Spirit.
Prayer:
Father God,
You speak to us in our soul when we read and meditate on Your Word; through
Your Spirit in our spirit during prayer; and in our body, soul and spirit
through the circumstances of our life (John 10:27-29; 1 Peter 5:6-8). Teach us
to pay attention and to obey Your every prompting; so that we do not reap the
destruction of disobedience (Romans 12:2).
Thank You
for Your mercy and grace, which cover a multitude of our sins (1 Peter 4:8);
and for not making us reap everything which we sow in disobedience. Only You
can save and perfect us (Matthew 27:1-66; 1 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:1-3).
We desire intimacy with You more than anything else this world has to offer;
because only through Your presence in us do we find a truly fulfilling life.
Thought for
the Day:
Being in
intimate fellowship with other Believers helps us to develop more intimacy with
our Father and His Son by His Spirit.
