My sisters and two nieces recently visited me from out of State. It was like good medicine to my soul in so many ways. We woke up early sipping coffee, sharing insights from our past, and what God has done in the present. We stayed up late reflecting on pictures from new memories made during the dayās adventures. Laughter and joy spread throughout the house as we got silly from fatigue.
The day to pack for departure came too soon. As I searched behind them for anything forgotten I noticed a partially used bottle of shampoo left in the shower. I mentioned it a few times in hopes they would not forget it. However, when they left it was still there. As I examined the red bottle it became familiar to me. It dawned on me that it had been in my shower for several months untouched.
I had purchased another shampoo that I felt would better suit my needs rather than finishing the bottle I had. Over time I became blind to the fact it was still sitting there, partially used.
Sometimes we become blind to the fact God is right beside us, partially used.
We use Him in the moment of need, and become complacent that He is there.
We become distracted with something or someone else causing our hearts to drift from God.
We receive His peace, provision, or protection forfeiting glory due Him because our self-sufficiency kicks in.
God promises to never leave us nor forsake us and yet that is the very thing we do to Him. God may be on our lips but far from our mind, Jeremiah 12:2b.
Friend, the Lord desires us to understand and know Him; To know that He is the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, and He delights in these things, Jeremiah 9:24b.
He designed it so that when we continually abide or remain in Him He will bless us. Consider the following:
āRemain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.Ā I am the vine;Ā you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit,Ā because you can do nothing without me.Ā If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown asideĀ like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire,Ā and they are burned.Ā If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorifiedĀ by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.ā (John 15:4-8 CSB)
Perhaps you struggle to remain in a consistent relationship with God. I believe most of us are guilty of that from time to time.
Maybe you have the best intentions to do better at acknowledging, praising, and fellowshipping with Him on a regular basis. You may even be successful for a week or two and then your attention is onto something or someone else. When you do you miss out on the abundant life God desires to grant you, John 10:10.
Be encouraged in knowing God is a patient God, 2 Peter 3:9! I am so thankful He is! Arenāt you?
Letās not become defeated by our lack of commitment, but instead, strive for victory by having our hearts and minds fixed on Him. Acknowledge Him in all our ways by inviting God in the details of life. The more we practice inviting Him in the more consistent we become in our fellowship with Him. Pray for God to help you Know Him more. I dare you to pray that every morning you wake up! I do and He is faithful to open my eyes to see and know Him better.
He used a shampoo bottle to get my attention. What is He using to get your attention? Donāt ignore it! Examine it and ask God to open your eyes to what you are missing.
