“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” (v1-8)
This author clearly has a deep longing for the Lord, and a proper respect for the forgiveness they have received. They acknowledge that none could stand before the Lord in their sin, though “plentiful redemption” is available through God’s steadfast love. It’s possible this author was young in the faith – they have a passion to be with God and a clear memory of what life was like without Him. Or perhaps they’re an experienced follower of God who has rediscovered or maintained their “fire” for the Lord.
How often do I, an experienced follower of God, still feel this type of passion or fire for God’s presence? How often do I crave God’s nearness and thank Him for his plentiful forgiveness? Have I grown complacent or less appreciative over time? Or worse, have I come to take God’s steadfastness and forgiveness for granted? Honestly, sometimes it feels like I’m living out The Righteous Brothers’ song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ “.
Now, I’m not saying those feelings are true in my life all of the time, but there are times when I catch myself unconsciously thinking/feeling like my relationship with God needs some reigniting – how do we as experienced Christ followers “bring back that lovin’ feelin’ “? There are many articles on the subject, so here are a few summarized points I found:
1. Pray – this one should be obvious, ask God to relight our fire for Him
2. Spend time in the Word – again, fairly obvious, get to know God’s heart through scripture
3. Confess sins – maybe there’s still a barrier between us and God
4. Worship God – it’s hard to feel loveless toward someone you’re actively worshiping
5. Step out in faith – maybe God has called us to do something and we’re not acting
6. Rest in Him – literally and figuratively, maybe we need sleep, maybe we need to bask in His presence
7. Surrender to Him – maybe we have some self-directed areas in our lives that need to be surrendered to His will
Even if all of those suggestions don’t “bring back that lovin’ feelin’ “, do not worry. If we’re consistent in our desire and practice of knowing God more deeply, the investment will not return void, and we will become anchored so deeply in Him that “feelings” (which can change at the drop of a hat, by the way) will not be the tether preventing us from straying – our anchor of faith and God’s steadfastness will keep us close to Him. Feelings can come and go, but God is eternal and our faith in Him can remain forever.
Father God, all praise honor and glory be to You, our King and Savior. Holy is Your name, may it be lifted high above all heaven and earth. We worship You our King, and thank You for Your steadfast lovingkindness, grace and mercy. Please hold us close, keeping us near Your side, not allowing us to stray even when the world calls us away. Please help us remain solidly anchored to You with faith that never fails. Please be our Rock and Fortress in the storms of life, that we would not falter or fall away. To You be the glory forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training