Good day
In our relationship with God there will be moments where we may find it a little challenging to do something that we know He requires of us. In those moments, we must remind ourselves of the "why".
We can become so familiar with the what, when and how of what it means to serve God and be a Christian that we sometimes forget the "why". We must remind ourselves that we do what we do because of our relationship with Him, because we're in love with Him!
We're willing to help our spouse, parents, children, siblings and friends because of our relationship with them and the importance of that relationship overrides the burden, effort or sacrifice that may be required to do something for them - The same goes for our relationship with God.
Our relationship with Him and what He requires of us should not be seen as burdensome. It shouldn't be one of those things where we sigh and say, "ok, if I have to". Nor should it be seen as a "tick box" exercise or an "activity" that Christian do. Our relationship with Him should mean so much to us that whatever He requires of us should spark an instant desire to want to obey Him and spend time with Him.
It's a relationship that requires personal interaction, responsibility and commitment - it's not something that we choose to engage in whenever we feel like it, like some casual practice or casual pursuit.
It's a relationship that should mean something to us and one that is driven by love - it's not an activity we're forced to do, it's something we get to do and want to do.
From God's side of the relationship, His commitment to us is quite clear!
He's in us, He's with us, He's for us and He's there for us WHENEVER we need Him.
He's never too busy and never too far that He can't hear us or come to our rescue.
He comforts us. He teaches us. He encourages us. He protects us. He blesses us. He forgives us. He loves us!
He does all of this for us because of the covenant we have with Him in Jesus Christ. It wasn't something He had to do, it's something He chose to do! So God's commitment to this relationship is quite clear!
Most of what God accomplishes through us is birthed and maintained as a result of our relationship with Him, out of the depth and strength of that relationship. There's nothing we can take credit for because He did it all, and continues to do it all, in and through our lives ... and all because of relationship!
So let's be encouraged to reflect on how good God has been to us and remind ourselves that this all powerful, all knowing, ever present God loves us! and tell Him how much we appreciate that love! ... and allow it to serve as a reminder that we do what we do because of our relationship with Him, not because we have to, but because we're in love with Him!
Amen