Religion is often associated with a certain deity, maybe a specific type of dress, or gathering in a specific place at a set time to carry out religious practices. While these things may be traditional or cultural, understanding the heart of religion can be complicated.
Some people may find religion as a way to make things right. Others consider religion a method to control people and politics, while others consider religion a safe place to relinquish control to a higher power. Religion usually speaks to the acts and observances of its people. It may focus on outward habits and appearances that are cultivated to prove one’s ultimate commitment to what they believe.
However, what does God – our Supreme Creator – say in his through his inspired word? How does he tell us to “relate” to Him? Does God desire recorded behaviors and vain repetitions?
Think for a moment…. what do YOU desire in your relationships with those you love? Do You desire recorded behaviors, someone who simply checks a box to say they did something? Do you prefer that your loved ones speak to and visit you out of obligation? When a person loves you and engages with you freely, it is feels very different than someone who does so out of obligation or repeated acts. We desire relationships, not acts.
God also desires relationship. As a matter of fact, he requires it. God desires a faithfulness that springs up out of the love we have for him.
We are unable to be supreme; therefore it is impossible for us to be great enough or religious enough to earn anything from God. He knows this about us because He created us. We – as humans – can NEVER be perfect, so God looks at our hearts and genuine intentions. God desires a sincere heart.
“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul (Deuteronomy 4:29).
It is okay to let go of the idea that you can be good enough for God. Realizing that you can never measure up allows you to fully embrace his mercy and desire to love you. Acceptance that you are His creation and far from perfect opens your heart to a true relationship with Him. That relationships is His goal.
Yahweh desires the oneness with you because He created you.
Listen…
I am love and I love you. My longing is for you to receive my love and to love and trust Me.
“For I desire a steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” Hosea 6:6
You cannot think wise enough or act great enough to please me.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” Isaiah 55:8-9.
It is Me dwelling within you that justifies you
“It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” Philippians 2:13.
It is my love for you that covers you. I desire your heart. I want to spend time with you. Talk to me, seek me, I am waiting for you. You are my child, my creation, a reflection of me. I am with you wherever you go.
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Our prayer for you:
Heavenly Father, I pray for the one reading this Whisper. I pray that You would remind them what it really means to have you as their father and their God. Encourage them to know that they are never too far away to reach out to You because You are – in fact – waiting to hear from them. Remind them that their creator seeks for true worship that comes from the heart and not performance. We serve because You love us, we can not earn Your love. Thank You for forgiveness and wisdom and understanding. Thank You for giving clarity and healing. Remove the acts and habits in our lives that don’t genuinely serve You or are only for outwards appearances. “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me (Matthew 15:8). Help us not to be far from You. Help us to remember that Your love for us and our love for You creates our relationship with You. Thank You for Your love, grace and compassion, Amen.
