There was a time when I felt the Father was so far away, I wondered if I would ever have a close relationship with Him again.
Circumstances in life had caused me to distance myself from His presence. I honestly felt like the prodigal daughter. It started out with the little things – selfishness, putting my needs and wants before others. Self-pity. Why are “they” treating me like this? Self-importance. I deserve better, and went searching for it.
I hardened my heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This was my thought, “If God’s not going to fix this then I’ll do it myself”. I wanted to be in charge.
Have you ever fallen into that mindset? I hope not but if you have let me show you the way that the Father ministered to me.
As a little girl I grew up loving the Bible stories I heard in Sunday School. One day as I was struggling with self-pity, I remembered the story of the prodigal son. I wasn’t in a physical pigpen but I was in an emotional one. I remember imagining that I was walking with the son on the road to his Father’s house.
I saw the Father running up the road to greet us but instead of embracing His son, He wrapped His arms around me and He held me close. I heard Him whisper in my ear, “Welcome home, I’ve been waiting for you. I love you”.
Never once did He ask me where I’d been or what I had been doing. He knew. I didn’t feel condemned – only love and forgiveness flowed from the Father’s heart to mine.
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’…We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” Luke 15:20-24 NLT
When we start on our return journey to the Father, drawing close to Him, He meets us – embraces us and throws us a party. His heart is full because we have come home!
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:7-10 NLT
When we humble ourselves and repent, He forgives and restores. He brings us to a place of peace, surrounded by His love.
Come with me and draw close to the Father!