I think that it is common in the Christian walk to have periods of mountains and valleys. I’m not saying it is right, or even necessary, but a common experience among believers. I must confess that lately I have been in a valley. I have known that I was there, but have allowed my busyness to crowd out my God.
But isn’t God good? He won’t let us stay there. He keeps nudging me to come to Him. I am privileged to sit under powerful preaching of the Word. I have felt the last couple of sermons to be speaking directly to me. In the past week I have been faced with many opportunities to renew my commitment to spending time with God. It’s amazing to me how God orchestrates events in my life.
I was especially blessed this week to listen to Marcia Somerville’s talk entitled, The Nearness of God is My Good. I was reminded of the fact that I knew the truth, but I wasn’t living the truth. My actions weren’t showing that I truly believed that the best thing for me was to spend time with God. My actions were saying that I’d let Him know if I needed something, but everything was fine right now. What a horrendous, prideful attitude! I was humbled to think of my disobedience in that way.
I was reminded of one of my favorite hymns. It’s called O For A Closer Walk with God, by William Cowper. The lyrics are beautiful and are my heartfelt prayer.
O for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame,
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb!
Where is the blessedness I knew,
When first I saw the Lord?
Where is the soul refreshing view
Of Jesus and His Word?
What peaceful hours I once enjoyed!
How sweet their memory still!
But they have left an aching void
The world can never fill.
Return, O holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn
And drove Thee from my breast.
The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.
So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
Your post reminds me of our reading of Hinds Feet on High Places. I am studying the same thing with my children. I want them to be aware of the valleys and mountain tops in our Christian walk so that their faith is firm in deep soil.
Funny that I did, since I bought the CD two years ago. I remember thinking how wonderful it was then, and how I even loaned it out to a couple of friends. Yet, funny how much I forgot from it. I think I might make a habit of dusting that off at least once a year to listen to it again. So important! If we don't spend that time in the Word and don't teach our children how to draw near to God, they may not learn it!