Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. – Joel 2:13
Have you ever done the spiritual jitterbug? You draw near to God and feel loved, protected, and hopeful. Then something happens. Whether it is a circumstance out of your control, your own choice to do something you should not, or not do something you need to, you back up. You do not feel like praying, reading the Bible, or going to church. You distance yourself from God, whether intentionally or subconsciously. When you realize you need Him, you draw closer to Him. Back and forth, back and forth, round and round.
There are a few things to remember to keep you out of the backed-off place and close to your Lord. When you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). There is no condemnation in Jesus (Romans 8:1). He forgives and cleanses (1 John 1:9). God loves you (1 John 3:1). He has your best interest at heart (Jeremiah 29:11). He will teach you (John 14:26). He will give you wisdom when you ask for it (James 1:5). You hear His voice when you read His Word (Romans 10:17).
When life seems like it has run amuck, God is the only one who can fix it. He is able to make a heart of flesh out of a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26). Expose every corner of your and every thought to Him for cleansing. Thank Him that you are accepted as a partaker of His divine nature and His beloved child through Christ. Then intercede for those around you who may be doing their own version of the spiritual jitterbug.
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