Today I will be twelve miles into the Emigrant Wilderness in California. A group of us will hike into the wilderness to set up camp at Woods lake. We will be the only group around, as this 112,000 acre wilderness keeps us all socially distanced. Our flyrods are ready, axes sharpened, and all camping gadgets are packed. Hammock? Check. First aid kit? Check. Solar shower? Hell yes. Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, sleeping meds, and sleeping buddies. Yessiree Bob. Every possible scenario of wilderness survival has been considered. Ah, the camping life!
Somewhere in the packing for this trip I felt God nudging me, what if you approached your spiritual life this way? I paused to hear what He was saying. I felt a loving curiosity, what if you applied that same interest, passion, and detail to some of Our life together? Ahh fair question.
What if I applied diligence and excellence to my walk with God? Not a performance thing but a heart thing. Paul exhorted Timothy, his spiritual son in the faith, “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.” (1 Timothy 4:15) I’ve read scripture every day for years but is my progress evident to all? Am I just kind of wandering through my spiritual life or does God hold my full attention?
Listen, if the prep and excitement around a weekend getaway can put our spiritual life prep and excitement to shame, let’s consider making a few adjustments:
- God is speaking every day. We must position our heart to be quiet enough and focused enough to hear Him. What is he saying to you this morning?
- Spiritual questions? Research your questions as diligently as assessing an Airbnb for a weekend away! List questions, consider all the options, talk to experts, get clarity. God is not a God of confusion, nor will He cave under your scrutiny.
- Read a first century biography about Jesus. Study what He said and did as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. His life story is deeply compelling.
- Be absorbed in knowing and loving Jesus Christ, the King.
My friend, what a beautiful adventure we have walking with God! I know of no other relationship or destination that satisfies my heart so completely. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11)
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Hey I am loving this Gracious Living journey we are on together! Thank you for following my blog. Get the book Gracious Living, creating a culture of honor, love, and compassion at MargaretAllen.org. The kindle version is available on Amazon.
