“Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.” - Zechariah 1:3

We are sometimes left wondering where God is in our lives.  We have times when the well seems to be dry, as if our spiritual life is a desert landscape with no water in sight.  The sun beats down and we ponder our location like man lost in a foreign land.  I am thankful first that such a feeling is foreign rather than ordinary.  There is a time when it would not have felt that way.  But it’s still a discouragement despite intellectual concessions as to why.  I don’t particularly like distance from my God, at least I say so, and yet I seperate myself through my own actions.  Would it stand to reason that action would be necessary for renewal…?  Of course!

In ancient Israel, many of the people were discouraged and contented in their exiled state.  Walls were broken in Jerusalem, the temple was half built and the “grandeur” of the faith, if you will, had faded.  And yet in desperate need of renewal and repentance the Lord calls them to return.  In great mercy and love he beckens them to return and promises to return to them.

People say that if you feel distant it’s because your’e lost in some hidden sin or “choosing” your distance.  While that IS possibly the case, it’s certainly not always the case.  God removes himself at times so that we can wander in the desert and so he can see the depth of our true heart.  Without the trials or tests our hearts are left unrevealed.  It’s necessary to test, to put us through trial.  Ancient Israel wandered.  Jesus Christ even wandered.  And yet we’re left here with the promise of God’s return in the times when we do choose our distance.  When we speak poison with our mouths, professing faithfulness and love and turn our backs instead to our own self-seeking desires.  And yet we can return to our father.  He who waits with open arms for a repentant heart and a steadfast devotion.  Return to him and he will return to you.

It doesn’t matter how many years, tears, or fears have kept you from your maker.  What matters is making the decision that will return you to the land of his favor, and there is no greater decision in the lives of man then such.

I was listening to a radio program this morning and the speaker mentioned that God’s ultimate goal is to bring us into an intimite relationship with him.  My first thought was one of concession, for I thought that I knew that.  But upon further consideration I began to think about what that really means.

The statement is is the ultimate answer to the question of why difficult circumstances find us.  God is infiinite in his knowledge and wisdom, we are not.  We often think a circumstance is bad for us when indeed it is “ultimately” and “absolutely” good.  For anything “good” is that which bring us closer to God.  Our perspective and ability to properly give up control to God is held in understanding such a small truth.  To “accept” the truth that God’s ultimate goal is for our growth towards him, then we would turn not to dissapointment but instead to joy.  We would embrace seemingly “worldly” troubles (finances, career, family, friends, etc) for what they truly are.  Heavenly ordained circumstances with the ultimate goal of bringing us closer to God.