An Invitation: Stop Striving and Seek Intimacy

The Lord says, “Come, let us talk about these things. Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.

Isaiah 1:18

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

There is a lot of buzz at this time of year. Many of us feel the excitement—and sometimes pressure—of setting new goals. What do we want to change about our lives? What habits do we need to put into place to make those changes happen?  Year after year we strive to improve our lives. We are convinced that all we need is more effort, more self-discipline, more “x-y-z” to become more fulfilled.  

Always striving, striving, striving. Striving says: “If I work hard enough, I’ll be worthy.”

It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

Listen to God’s invitation.

The word LORD in the ancient language, is Yahweh. Yahweh means “I Am Who I Am.” - the great I am, the One who has no beginning and no end. This God who created our very DNA bid us “Come.”

Come and what? Does He say, “Come show me your list of accomplishments.”  Or “Show me how well you have performed in the past.” NO!

Instead, Yahweh says, “Come, let us talk.” He invites us into an intimate conversation.

When was the last time you had an intimate conversation with God? Maybe never, or perhaps it has been a long time.

If so, what is holding you back? He already knows all the ways we have failed to live up to His intended design and purpose.

He knows our tendency to want to perform, to check all the boxes, to try harder. He knows we are creatures who strive to find a way to fill the emptiness we feel in our hearts. It’s that striving that tells us, “Maybe if I work hard enough, I’ll be worthy.”

God lays it all out in the open. He says, “I see the many ways you have tried and failed. I see how you have missed the mark, how you have not measured up. I see how you have messed up big time.” He knows us completely - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Yet, He invites us to an intimacy that can be found nowhere else. This is an intimacy which says: “You are already worthy — come close.”

How is it possible for a Holy God to have an intimate relationship with flawed, wayward, frail human beings? He sent Jesus to accomplish what we are unable to accomplish:

Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.

Striving is about earning.

Intimacy is about receiving His forgiving love.

Striving is about doing.

Intimacy is about being - secure in God.

Striving protects you from disappointment.

Intimacy exposes you to God’s transformation.

Striving keeps vulnerability at bay.

Intimacy surrenders to His loving control.

God is inviting you today, “Stop trying harder, just come closer.”

Where in your life are you striving rather than seeking intimacy with God?

How might intimacy with God give you MORE than what striving has ever been able to deliver?

Prayer – Lord, Yahweh, You are the Great I Am. You are the Master of the Universe, and my Creator. I am amazed that You desire an intimate relationship with me. When I find myself striving for the next accomplishment, remind me that I don’t have to perform for You. You have already made me worthy by washing the stain of my wrongs away, making them as white as snow. I invite You in to take control and transform me from the inside out. Draw me into a deeper, more intimate walk with You, today and in the year ahead.