Listen on the LWML On The Go Podcast or read it below!
He Desires a Relationship
The Task-Filled Life Bible Study — Week 6, Day 1
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, And He has made me glad.
LSB 699, v. 1
Jesus desires our presence. He loves us so much that He opens the doors of heaven, welcoming us to listen to His Spirit through the Word every day. He promises to be our rest as we remain still before Him and know that He is God – no matter our stresses, our joys, or our doubts. He invites us to come to Him as our Bread of Life and to daily feed on His amazing love, grace, and mercy (John 6:35, 48). He calls to us in our crazy, hectic lives and says, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38).
For those who call on Him in prayer, in meditation, and in fellowship with Him in the Word, He promises to heed our coming and to be near us (Psalm 145:18 and Isaiah 55:6). Devoting ourselves to prayer is our way of communicating with God. It reflects a relationship, a relationship which He desires. It is not simply something we do; it is part of who we are. It is more than making requests; it is honoring Him with our praise, our thankful hearts, and our trust. Whether begging for the healing of a sick child, the eternal rest of a parent, or the daily mundane and boring tasks that lay before us, prayer is the bridge of communication with One whom we love. Developing a relationship with anyone takes time and effort, and that is true also of our relationship with our King of kings and Lord of lords.
I often hear people say, “I don’t believe I should bother God with the small, seemingly insignificant things in my life.” My response: “Maybe if we did so daily, the larger things would be easier to handle.” The love that Jesus has for us, the love He died for, is beyond measure.
Jeremiah 33:3 has often been called “God’s telephone number.” Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. If it’s difficult to memorize, we can put it in our phones which are usually kept with us all the time. The most incredible thing about God and this number: it is available no matter where we are, what we are doing, or how difficult our concerns and problems are. It surpasses time and space. We are never put on hold. He listens every time and answers in His time and way.
Prayer:
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, Stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in Him.
LSB #699, v. 2
THAT’S A RELATIONSHIP!
