No one in this universe or the next has experienced grief in the magnitude that God has. In that same breath no one in this Universe or the next is as intimate a being as God. So it is no surprise that we, being made in the image of God, experience both of these things in our lifetime. Think of it in this way, a mother and child share a special bond that is unique in nature. The way she cares for, looks at, and kisses her child is something to behold. She develops a deeply rooted tie with her child, not merely through large moments, but through thousands of small, everyday memories and routines.
Heaven forbid tragedy strikes and that child dies an earthly death and is graduated to our Father’s everlasting arms. On the outside looking in, we grieve with that mother, whether as a friend or family member. But no one grieves like the one who gave birth and nurtured that child day in and day out. Her grief seems unbearable compared to ours. Thus her grief is proportional to her intimacy with her lost child.
Intimacy with God is what we were designed for as His children. To walk with God as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. One truth has always resonated with me since I began my journey with God. The simple and subtle truth that you are as close to God as you want to be. The book of James puts it this way:
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
It is God’s nature to desire an intimate relationship with each one of us. The God of the universe has more than enough love to give, but we have all experienced that the closer you grow with someone, the greater potential there is for them to harm you or to help you. If someone close to you wrongs you or does something that lets you down, it affects you much more deeply than if it had been a stranger. Therefore, you can imagine the terrible grief God bears daily as His children choose to sin against Him. His heart breaks at the thought of us hurting one another or even ourselves as we deny the very laws He designed to protect us.
As we reflect on this truth, let it lead us to not treat God’s Heart in a careless way, but understand that He is our heavenly father who loves us and cherishes us. Let us not grieve Him by choosing to live selfishly, but let’s honor Him by choosing to walk in righteousness.
Practical Challenge:
Each day this week: Spend the first fifteen minutes practicing gratitude. Thank God for different things (large and small) in your life. An attitude of gratitude is a great place for our hearts to grow in intimacy with the Lord.
- Connor Anderson