When Strivings CeaseSample

You’re the only one who knows the well-worn path in your pattern of thought when it comes to God, our heavenly Father. You may say with your lips, “He is faithful. He is good.” But, do your actions reveal a different truth?

When we believe an earthly father is available, knowable, inviting, and good, we go running to him. We don’t hesitate to pursue a father who welcomes us with open arms, who looks up from his work and really listens, who shows concern when we cry, who holds us when we ache, who’s patient with our petty complaints, and silly stories. In the same way, we go running to God when we believe him to be that kind of Father. But we shy away and guard ourselves more when an earthly father doesn’t pursue us or seems silent. When he is bad at listening or isn’t available. We hide. We stay away. We pretend.

What we believe about our Father determines how we come to him—or if we come at all.

What’s keeping you from drawing near to your Father? Are you coming to him hindered? Fearful? Feeling unworthy? Are you coming defensively? Lacking ears to hear? Whatever it is, the first step in this journey is tracing your way backward from your present view of God. Where does it lead you?

Does it lead you back to the Word of God and what Scripture says about him?

Does it lead you back to your own sense of guilt, shame, or unworthiness?

Does it lead you back to an idea that’s been modeled imperfectly by imperfect family members?

Everything God says about himself in the Word of God and every way he’s revealed himself to creation and to his children has always been to declare:

I am faithful, in spite of your faithlessness.

So if you find yourself constantly trying to work toward being deemed worthy of God’s attention, thinking you have to be enough before you can be fully welcomed, assuming his love and faithfulness is only in place if your actions are perfect, take a step back. Find your way to the firm foundation of who the Bible says he is.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being faithful and thank you for giving me your Word as a foundation so that I can always find my way to your truth. Amen.