Can you imagine what would happen if a couple attended counseling sessions consistently, eagerly soaking up the good advice from the counselor, and even talking about their feelings while there, but then leave that office and never speak to each other until the next session? I doubt that there will be a lot of progress until they actually open the communication lines.
Too often, we relate with God in the same way. We find ourselves in a holy union that is without zeal or fire. Church or church gatherings become activities that need to be marked off a list. We get excited there or sometimes just barely float through. Reading the Bible becomes a chore.
I often hear questions from people who want to know how to break out of the motion and connect better with God. They want to ‘hear’ God clearly and feel bad that they can’t seem to get it together. My answer is usually the same - you can’t hear (Shema) who you don’t know (Yada). You can’t build a good relationship with someone you barely speak with. You need to re-open communication lines between the husband (God) and wife (you), regardless of how great the counseling (pastors, books, messages, etc) sessions are.
If you are in that situation now, or you ever are, it may be time to get into a room with God and tell Him you need His company. Here are a few ways I’ve re-opened communication lines with God.
I ask the Holy Spirit to help me pray and then, respond by praying in the spirit to charge myself up. Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20
I drop my own conversation topics and ask God what He’d like to speak about. I find that a big reason we often feel distant is that our minds are not dwelling on the same things as He is. Can two walk together unless they agree? Amos 3:3. We need to be honest and lovingly turn our hearts back to His own desires. This is not easy especially when you feel distraught about a genuine need. But I can bet you, turning to God is more satisfying than beating yourself up with worry. I think the best example of this from the Bible is the story of Job. I wrote about it in my first newsletter.
I read passages that speak of God’s greatness and splendour. Every part of the Bible is a testament to God’s greatness but Job 38 to 41 are great chapters to start from. The Psalms and the Prophets are also great for this.
I read a familiar and beloved scripture over and over again. David is a personal favorite. I find that starting from the stories opens you up to more.
I watch the Bible Project. Yes, I know I said one on one. But these short videos have a way of igniting and enriching my curiosity for more.
I write! I journal what I’m going through and share with Him. I find that at the end of the entry, my thoughts have gone far off where they started.
How could I leave this out?! I worship! I sing and mouth new songs.
Underlying all of this is the fact that there has to be a goal before you to make this marriage work with God. This goal will fuel your desire to do the regular and consistent things needed to stay in touch with Him at all times.
The evidence of desire is pursuit.
Your daily reading of the Bible remains important. You don’t always have to look for a spark in every conversation but if your heart’s desire is to know God deeper and deeper, He will always meet that desire with enlightenment as you study. You’ll always know something new by reading His word when you do so with Him.
I know that a slump can be truly vexing. But one thing to be assured of is that God wants more with us that we do with Him. Paul said in Philippians 2:13 that:
For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will (desire) and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.
It is by His power that you desire to know Him. So task Him (Holy Spirit) with the job of helping you fulfil that desire.
God bless you richly as you enjoy a week of conversations with Him. Amen