It's interesting when I sit and ponder my relationship with Christ. There are times that I felt like he was distant, and not a close friend. There are times, I felt as if he was punishing me by feeling distant. But it's always I who moved, not him.
There are days when I am disciplined, and awake early so I can spend time in his word and pray. These are the days, I feel closest to him. Then there are the days that I choose an extra 30 min of sleep, because I just can't BEAR to get up...He can wait. Or so I think.
Self Discipline is definitely one of those things I struggle with at times, choosing ME over those things I know will improve myself...whether it is fitness, devotion time, healthy eating, etc., I struggle.
If you're like me, your relationship with Jesus has felt strained at times, almost as if he wasn't a friend. And the biggest reason has always been listening to the liar and giving in to idols. And unfortunately, idols are not always what we would constitute an "idol". It can come and be defined by those things that take our focus and devotion off of Jesus.
My relationship with Jesus should be the most important and most satisfying of them all. But when I choose to listen to satan and choose other activities and desires over him, it is strained. It is comparable to our relationships on Earth. If I ignore time with my husband or friends, or selfish and choose ME over them, those relationships will suffer and will break down. I will feel distant from those people. I call it "The Wall".
The wall is built one brick at a time, sometimes over days and weeks, sometimes over years, but it's built with every selfish decision, every thought given to The Liar, and every break in my self discipline. And before you know it, there is this huge Wall that separates myself and those relationships. It causes them to feel strained and sometimes even broken
But the great news is...The Wall is easily brought down. It can be brought down just like the wall in Jericho. And the best news is, there is no great Army needed, no guns, no fights! When we submit ourselves to obeying his Word, he breaks those walls down. But we must obey.
Choose with me today, to worship him, to adore him, to make him the 1st of every day and in everything you do. And to obey his word..
I love you my dear friends.
Peace, Grace, Joy,
Lori