God answers. Sometimes He answers even when we haven’t filed an official request. That’s how I felt as I pondered how passionless my walk with the Lord had become.
Where did that passion go? Why did He feel so distant?
Really, I had the answers to both of these questions. My first answer was that God draws close when we draw close to Him. If there was any distance between us it was because I had allowed that distance.
Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you sinners; and purify your hearts; you double minded.
James 4:8
Nevertheless, God shows us grace. We can show ourselves a lttle grace as well.
Circumstances had left me feeling and falling flat. A difficult path can toss us to and fro. Yes, if we are tossed by the waves it’s because we’re double minded. Our ways are unstable. We don’t have complete faith and trust in God. Regardless, Jesus sympathizes with our weakness and His mercies remain new every morning. As He Himself was tempted in every way He understands. Having never sinned, this also qualified Him as the perfect unblemished sacrifice for our sins.
Because Jesus was faithful, even to death on a cross, there is no longer any condemnation for those who belong to Him. Therefore, in His words is loving guidance and in His correction is redirection. It’s faith, trust and obedience that determines whether we will listen and follow.
Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4
I’ve learned that my worries can choke out God’s word. Under the strain of trials and weariness, my passion for Him can sink like a stone beneath the waves. I begin to simply go through the motions. Still, perseverance must be a priority.
To reignite our passion we must refocus and learn to love Jesus again. We know He’s worthy. We know He’s awe inspiring and captivating. Our gaze just needs to be turned towards Him long enough to see this once again.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Look at him; give him your warmest smile.
Never hide your feelings from him.When I was desperate, I called out,
and God got me out of a tight spot.God’s angel sets up a circle
of protection around us while we pray.Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.Worship God if you want the best;
Psalm 34:5-9 (The Message)
worship opens doors to all his goodness.
Pippi's Poetry 
Amen.Praise the Lord.🙏💐
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Good to hear from you again, Francis. I hope you are blessed and doing well. 🙏 💐
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Certainly, I am trying hard to do something for the helpless and I am sure I shall do it for his glory. Thanks for your prayers. Take care 💐🙏
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Love this verse from the book of James as well as the song turn your eyes upon Jesus, when we are in the pity of the valley and we can’t see in front of us we need to turn our eyes upon Jesus.
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Yes, Amen.
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Love your raw and honest words, I know I can share in relation to this struggle. I think it’d be true for most.
Thankfully God is rich in mercy and grace…patiently and graciously waiting for our obedience toward Him when we slide wayward.
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Thank you Ali. Yes, He is rich in mercy and grace. We should all purchase from Jesus as he spoke in John’s Revelation to the church in Laodicea that had become lukewarm.
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It’s faith, trust and obedience that determines whether we will listen and follow – so true Tina.
I pray that perseverance will finish its work during this time for you. May you find renewal in your worship and time with Him. I know that feeling have struggled through a period like that but just being obedient by clinging to him even when I did not feel like it helped eventually.
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Thank you so much Manu. 💙
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You have so many good points in this post. When we feel distant from God, He is still there. We need to remind ourselves that He will never leave us. And as you said, turn our eyes back on Him. Thank you for this encouraging post. 🦋
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Thank you Bridget. Yes, God remains faithful even when we are faithless. When we struggle to hold onto Him He told us tightly.
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I think many of us go through these struggles. But you say it so beautifully, it’s not easy to look up sometimes but the rewards when we take the time to do it, are limitless. ❤️
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Yes, they are limitless. God’s mercies are new every morning. 😊❤
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In difficult and trying times, it is important to let go of our worries, to give them to God. I think this is something we all struggle with. We need to take time and refocus on God, resting and relying on His grace; realizing that His mercies are new every morning.
I’ve always enjoyed the song; Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus. 😊
Nicely done, Tina! Have a wonderful weekend! 💖💐🌺
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Thank you Jeanne. We have a wedding to go to this weekend! It should be a lovely time with family. 😊❤🌸
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How nice – Enjoy! 💗💐🌺
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At times, my “passion” for God has simply been about putting one foot in front of the other.
Me thinks you are too hard on yourself at times, Tina.
If you’re still alive it’s not too late.
God Bless!
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Thanks David. Well, life and faith are confusing sometimes. With the confusion in the storms It’s sometimes difficult to see if I’m truly standing or sinking. I’m glad that God is hanging on to me and is able to lift me to my feet or pull me to my knees.
God Bless you too!
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Fortunately for me, for all of us, his mercies are new every morning. God is gracious to help us start fresh and anew.
Sending you love and hugs sweet daughter 🙂
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Thank you. ❤❤❤
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Amen! From Christ’s living waters springs forth today and tomorrow’s hope.
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They do. 🙂
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