Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Enrich Your Faith by Chatting with God

I remember as a child swinging on the swingset in our backyard just singing my heart out.  I would belt out, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb" over and over, as my legs kicked higher and higher.

I felt like I was flying. I felt like I was loved. I couldn't have been more than six or seven years old.


At that time in life, my prayers usually revolved around praying for my family's safety. I really worried about losing my mom, dad, sister, or--just as bad--one of our beloved pets.

I knew God was with me all the time.

As I grew older, that faith didn't waver, but my prayers changed. Friend troubles brought me to my knees many times, and God came through for me, sometimes immediately, giving me peace in my heart and with my friends. My prayers still tended to be when I needed something or at ritual times, like meals and church, but I still knew God was with me all the time.

It wasn't until about seven or eight years ago that a new concept was introduced to me--chatting with God.

What? Chat with God? Wasn't that a little too...informal? Disrespectful, even?

But the book I'd been reading made a good case for daily conversations with our Lord, and I decided to try it. Even if it made me uneasy.

I brewed some tea, headed to my comfy chair, closed the door, and sat there, paralyzed. How does one go about chatting with the Lord? The Almighty? Maker of heaven and earth?

If I was going to have a chance, I was going to have to throw my intimidation to the side and Just. Do. It.

I did. I told God everything on my mind. How my breakfast probably wasn't very healthy. How I worried that living in a new state would negatively affect our children. I told Him about the writing piece I was working on--and I joked with Him--joked!! Then, it just flowed. I felt comfortable. I felt myself. I felt more than myself--I felt accepted. Loved.

Sitting in my bedroom, sipping tea, and mentally sharing my life--all of it--with God brought me to a peaceful place I hadn't known in years. It was like sitting with the worlds' best friend (probably because I was, duh!) Nothing I said was too intimate. I wasn't judged. In fact, I felt precious, better, special.

Every weekday I had "chat-time" with God, until we moved again. I kept up with it for a while, but you know how life is. My comfy chair didn't make the move. The time I always reserved? Was spent carpooling. My soul missed our daily chats, until I found a new routine--a routine that included chatting with God.

Over the years, I find I spend time all day bringing my life to Him. I ask questions, I consult Him, I listen, and yes, I hear answers. For a long time I questioned that--could I really trust that the Holy Spirit was syncing with my spirit to give me answers? Yes. When in doubt, I pray, and I believe I'm always divinely guided.

Chatting with God continues to bring me peace even in difficult circumstances. When you truly believe that everything works for the good of those who love Him, it's easier to get through the dry spells and the tough times.

God wants us to talk to Him. He flat out tells us in Matthew 7:7 (NIV), "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Psalm 34:4 (NIV) "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

The Bible is filled with references urging us to ask God, seek Him, pray to God.

Never be intimidated to chat with Him. May your faith be enriched! Blessings to you!

Do you have a close relationship with the Lord, one where you're comfortable chatting with Him?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

12 comments:

  1. Great post! What book is it that you've been reading?

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    1. At the time I started "chatting," I was reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver. Recently, I read The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson, and it affirmed my daily conversations with God. I'm so thankful for Christian literature!

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  2. I love this post! And I love chatting with God. I'd be lost without Him. Literally. :)

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    1. Same here, Jessica. On the days I get too busy to sit and "chat," I feel so wound up. At the end of the day, I feel a loss, like I missed something--because I did miss something!

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  3. I love this so much! I love chatting with God, too...I feel like I've gone through seasons when the chatting is second nature and happens often...and then other seasons when I have to be intentional about it and almost force myself. Because the "feelings" of my faith aren't always there. But even in those times, my head knows the truth...and the truth is that chatting with God is the best use of time ever. He's always listening. Always working. Always with a bigger, better picture. God is just awesome.

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    1. Just got a chill, Melissa. You put it so well. I feel the same! I'm in a busy season where I do force myself to take the time to chat with God. And my life is so much better and calmer because of it. :)

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  4. What a beautiful picture of your life of faith, Jill. I can just picture you in that swing as a little girl, hair flying as high and smiling big. I didn't have that relationship with God as a little girl. Honestly, I felt a twinge of envy. You are such a beautiful reflection of Him, your chats together, and your close walk with Him. LOVED this post today, Friend.

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    1. I understand, Donna. I envy people odd things, like still having friends from childhood or the desire to do mission work! I was so blessed to have parents who raised me in faith. I can't remember a time I wasn't swaddled in the Lord.

      But, even though I had that childlike faith, I also grew to not really understand how loving God is. I relegated Him to an "as needed" basis. And I missed out on peace as a result.

      Thank you for always being such a light in my life, Donna!

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  6. I love chatting with Him:) It took me years to get to that place too, but now I've been there for years and it brought such a sweetness to my relationship with Him. He created us to BE in relationship with Him--He loves it as much as we do:)

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  8. Jill - This is so totally amazing. I do have that type of relationship with God, but I can't say that I have conversations with Him every day about this and that. I am going to take your advice and just do it. Thank you for sharing this personal and inspiring message.

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