Recently I read that we are never to take GOD for granted. Don’t take for granted that consistent “small voice” as a favor upon you.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I have that small nagging……a feeling that something between me and GOD is not right. I notice a barrier there when I pray, but I also am aware that the enemy would like me to just give up on my time with GOD and say it’s too much trouble.
PSALM 19: 12 “BUT WHO CAN DISCERN THEIR OWN ERRORS? FORGIVE MY HIDDEN FAULTS.”
And maybe it is never that GOD has moved away, but we have! The barriers we put in place are all of our own doing.
ISAIAH 59: 2a “……..BUT YOUR INIQUITIES HAVE MADE A SEPARATION BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR GOD.”
Sometimes we put GOD last and our busyness takes over. I have been so so guilty of this. When we spend time even on our devices, isn’t our time better served in HIS word?
ISAIAH 59 2b “…….AND YOUR SINS HAVE HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM YOU SO THAT HE DOES NOT HEAR.”
And there it is, the barriers of no time spent with GOD and unconfessed sin. Let’s ponder this question daily…….”where am I with you LORD?” Our repentance needs to be a daily thing, even an hourly thing. When our sins come to mind, let us repent of them, immediately.
Another barrier to GOD can be pride. Are we thinking more of ourselves than we should? GOD hates pride and when we try to accomplish things on our own we have put ourselves in the driver’s seat, instead of HIM.
PROVERBS 29: 23 “ONE’S PRIDE WILL BRING HIM LOW, BUT HE WHO IS LOWLY IN SPIRIT WILL OBTAIN HONOR.”
The barrier of bitterness and resentment is a complicated one. These are sometimes deep within us and we don’t even realize we are harboring them. Search your heart to see if bitterness or resentment have been growing there because these two can become our best friend. We hold onto them and it is a form of control due to hurt and confusion when we should release them to GOD and let HIM take control.
2 THESSALONIANS 1: 6 “AFTER ALL, IT IS ONLY RIGHT FOR GOD TO REPAY WITH AFFLICTION THOSE WHO AFFLICT YOU.”
Fear is another barrier we tend to hold onto. By holding onto this one, we somehow think we can control what is making us fearful. Let it go. GOD knows our fears and gives us the strength we need to bear up under it. HIS capable HANDS will hold us, put us at peace and the worry will stop.
ISAIAN 43: 5 “FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU……..”
These barriers are most evident to me when I feel far from GOD, when something is there nagging at me. How about you? Would love to hear if you find barriers too and add them to my list!
Let’s search our hearts together today…….a pure and repentant heart is one that truly loves GOD, one that loves HIM more than anything in this world, barriers and all!
1 THESSALONIANS 3: 13 “MAY HE STRENGTHEN YOUR HEARTS SO THAT YOU WILL BE BLAMLESS AND HOLY IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR GOD AND FATHER……”
HEAVENSREEF 