At first, you neglect talking to God because you’re busy. And then because you’re tired. Times goes by, and you experience something painful. You think you’re either being punished, or he just doesn’t care. Now you won’t talk to him because you feel rejected. And offended. And frankly, you’re not sure you can trust him.
Bitterness takes root and grows. You doubt his love, his grace, and even his existence. Not only do you not want to talk to God anymore, you’re going to keep building bigger and stronger walls around your heart to protect it from ever being disappointed again. By anyone.
But then . . . a whisper. In the midst of a deep, dark, distressing moment, you hear, “I love you,” breathed into your soul. You sit. You allow your shoulders to relax, as you finally let your guard down. You breathe in deeply. And again. You feel something, a warmth. Rising like a wave over your heart and mind, you feel his presence.
You listen.
You talk.
“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” (Luke 15:20).
Equip Your Spirit 