Relationship Over Routine
God wants a relationship with us instead of a routine.
Sometimes we find ourselves reading our Bibles, praying, or going to church because we know that it’s what we’re supposed to do, but our hearts and minds are elsewhere. I’ve certainly been guilty of this. There have been mornings where I read my Bible as a matter of getting it out of the way so I can get onto other things. The irony is, in a moment like that, although I am literally reading the word of God, I completely miss the encounter God wants to have with me.
The harsh truth is that God doesn’t need anything from us. He doesn’t need us to study our Bibles or praise Him. The Bible says that if we are silent then the rocks will praise Him. God doesn’t need anything from us. The reason we read, the reason we study, the reason we pray is for us to be transformed to be more like Jesus. We need Him. Routine doesn’t lead to transformation - relationship with Him does.
If you find yourself in a place where you want a relationship with God but you don’t really know what that means except that you should have one, this is for you. One of the most meaningful manifestations of love is consideration. We consider those we love in the things we do. Take a moment to think of someone in your life that you love. I imagine that, out of love, you would like to know how they are, you want their advice on certain things, you can’t wait to tell them about your highs and you are able to lean on them during your lows, you even consider them in your future and so on. Ultimately, in each way, you consider them. This is the same angle in which we can pursue relationship with God. When you close your Bible, think about Him. When you finish praying, think about Him. When you get back from church, think about Him. As you make decisions throughout your day, where you’ll go, who you’ll see, what you’ll talk about, think about Him. Consider what you’ve been studying recently and how it might apply even where you don’t think it’s relevant.
It is through this relationship that reading the word or spending time in prayer feels less like a requirement and more like necessary quality time spent with the one you’re in relationship with. Through relationship with God He encourages you and empowers you to spend more time with Him.
As I write this I’m reminded of Matthew 22:37 where Jesus says, “[y]ou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Not some of your mind but all of it. Not some of your focus but all of it. Not some of your time but all of it. I encourage you to go to that scripture this week and read the rest of it. Study it. And of course, as I always say, ask questions:
“Lord, what does it mean to love you with all my heart? Is this enough? How can I serve you completely when realistically, I don’t know if I have that in me? How can I show up better in this relationship?”
I’m on this journey with you. I understand the feeling of wanting to meet God where He is but still falling short. Let’s try to consider Him more faithfully and let Him fill the gaps.