Posts
It doesn't take much effort for me to get to church on Sunday morning. It has been a solid part of my weekly schedule for the past few years and has become integrated into my spiritual growth. I love the environment, the people and the common purpose to come together to worship God. But after this morning's service I felt unsatisfied. Not for any particular reason however; worship was phenomenal, Pastor Eric's message was great, the people were warm and welcoming as usual, what was up with me?
It was obvious I needed to do something about this, so I made a trip out to the Westwood Hills just to walk around and enjoy the beauty of the Napa Valley. A place full of towering aged trees and multiple mossy paths its a perfect place just to be silent before God and yourself. I realized after being there a while and just talking to God why I felt half-full after church. I felt like God brought me to the conclusion that a structure, organization, church, or even a person cannot fulfill the place of a growing personal relationship with Christ. I realized the I needed to be going to church out of my LOVE for God not out of obligation.
My hour or two out on the hills really filled me up. The kind of feeling where you just know God is the coolest thing ever. I came to Him with my struggles, my worries; the things most heavy on my heart, and His word was truly a lamp unto my feet. With all of my problems and not knowing where to turn the proverbs said it so perfectly...
"The Lord gives wisdom, from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding" Prov 2:6
I left Westwood asking God for the wisdom I need for all my concerns, and praying that I would be close enough to hear His voice when His mouth speaks with that knowledge and understanding.
I want to strive toward living life out of my love for God, love for His ways and His will. I learned today that God loves to talk when we are willing to listen.
