3. Going Deeper With God

Going Deeper With God

You may be at a point in life where you feel that God is distant and disconnected from what you’re doing. Or maybe you are disappointed in Him for the hurt and wounds you have received over the years. Maybe He hasn’t seemed to be a good heavenly Father, given your past experiences.

It might be surprising to realize how God views His relationship with you. In Isaiah 65:1-2, He said “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call My name. All day long I opened my arms to a rebellious people.”

God is actively reaching out to us all the time, but often with little success. It identifies the problem that we want a relationship with God only on our terms, not on His terms. That’s a sure path to disillusionment.

God relates to us in the most personal way. His assurances in Isaiah 43:1-4 give us a specific list of His genuine care for us. What do we do with that? Hopefully, we respond by opening up our lives to Him.

A good place to start would be evaluating whether we have set up specific terms that God must work within. If He doesn’t live up to them, will we keep Him at a distance or choose not to believe at all?

Writing down your list of terms that God must meet can be helpful. You may be surprised at how long the list is. And it might explain why you are disappointed with Him. Remember, He is always waiting to have a personal relationship with you—on His terms.

Scripture Review

I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,’ to a nation which did not call on My name. “I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts. (Isaiah 65:1-2)

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I have given Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in your place. “Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life. (Isaiah 43:1-4)