AN EPIC ENCOUNTER

Deep down within us is a God shaped hole that nothing else can fill. Though we don't tend to recognize it that way, we can feel it in our heart. Often, it's described like, “theirs something missing inside & I don't know what it is.” Or, a feeling of emptiness, loneliness or sadness. So, we try to fill it with other things like success. We work so hard at our job giving our best work performance desiring to be acknowledged for it but even if we are, it’s not fulfilling enough. Or the stuff we want. Desiring the newest, latest model that technology has to offer. Trying to, “keep up with the Jones” mentality. But, it’s never enough because there is always something newer and our bank account ends up depleted or indebted causing further unhappiness. Then there’s relationships. Earnestly desiring to be wanted or accepted by others but it always falls short because everyone disappoints at one time or another.

All this was never meant to take the place of a relationship with God. The obvious reason is because He is our Creator God. How could I expect anything else He has, or someone else has created could take His place in my life? Only He is perfect, holy, and good. Because of our sin nature, we are not and therefor could never meet the standards others have set for us to attain. Even if you could, you would still be searching for fulfillment from a fellow human being who has no inclination of the purposes of God for your life. Sadly, we rely too much on someone else’s opinion instead of God’s plan for our lives.

The Good Word says, we were created to worship God & any other substitute won't do. You alone are the Lord...Nehemiah 9:6. Come, let us worship & bow down. Let us kneel before our Maker. Psalm 95:6. Let them give thanks to the Lord. Psalm 107:8

God created us, so only He knows our deepest longings & how to fill them. This is the beautiful exchange of true worship in your heart toward the Lord. When you decide to put your focus on Him and what His word says to you, instead of people or things, or the lack of them, you can experience an epic encounter with your Creator. He refreshes the weary & satisfies the faint Jeremiah 31:5. As you do, the knowledge and understanding of His endearing love toward you can begin to fill you in a way that nothing else can. That God shaped whole in your heart will begin to be filled with His presence. Psalm 22:3 The best part is, even when you don't feel like it, it can happen. That's because worship is a choice. Choosing to set your eyes on the Lord and praising Him for His goodness, is like taking off that bulky winter suit & putting on a light silk garment.  Choosing to offer up a sacrifice of praise despite how you feel takes away that spirit of heaviness and leaves you refreshed. Hebrews 13:1, Isaiah 61:3

God made a new covenant through Jesus whose very name means salvation, so you don't have to feel alone inside anymore. Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 10:19-22 Run to a Bible near you and discover what the Good News of the Word brings. Meditate on this grace of God for your own self personally, then allow His goodness to fill your soul & reach up to Heaven & receive it. Don’t think about what is missing. Rather, lift your eyes to the Father with a sincere heart and ask Him to help you to change. He seeks those who worship Him in truth & spirit. John 4:23 

Kids can discover these Bible truths too! Start a Discovery Time club in your neighborhood during the school year or Host a 5 Day Club in your home, Church or cabin for 1 week in the summer & trained CREW members will come & teach it for the children you invite. Or, ask where there is a club near you. = )

Laura Lawrence
Discovery Time Director