The One Going With You

I woke up with this thought...

"The only person who goes with you wherever you go other than God, is yourself." 

Yes, we know God is with us and God watches over us and God cares for us and God loves us and God wants to be with us and....you get it....

But...do you watch over you? Do you care for you? Do you LOVE you? Do you want to be with you? The truth is, we are called to love others as we love OURSELVES.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37

Listen, there are times when I don't have a problem loving myself. 

I know how to be selfish.  

But I think there are times when I don't. 

That comes in the form of caring for myself, what I put in my body, or what purposeful energy I am exercising (literally). 

That comes from loving myself and all who God made me to be. Liking who I am. Liking what I like. Seeing myself as purposefully created and beneficial to the world around me. Seeing the hopes and dreams in my heart as something that is a gift to the world. 

That comes in the form of realizing that God wants to spend time with me. Not just others, not just the whole world, but me. Little ol' me. He never leaves me. He never forsakes me. He likes me. He loves me. And He wants to spend some purposeful time with me. 

He wants me to sit with Him and talk with Him. He wants me to share my burdens, my pains, my questions, my fears, my doubts. He wants to talk about my weaknesses, temptations and sins. God wants me. God likes me.

He says...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30

In the times I purposefully set aside to be with God, He listens and lifts the burdens. He works out the selfish and sinful parts of me. He gives me guidance and wisdom to navigate this life. He leaves me encouraged.

But most beautifully? He gives me Himself. All of himself. All of His time. All of His attention. All of His love. 

So, do you love you? Do you let God love you? If not, take some time today and talk with Him. 

I hope this encourages you today!