One thing that I’ve realized is that it’s easy to get distracted in life. Distractions are at every corner and these ultimately push us away from God. I’m experiencing it now that I’m no longer in Basic Combat Training (BCT). At BCT you’re isolated from your family, friends, and the world in general. It’s easy to seek God when you’re experiencing hardship. But the real challenge is seeking Him in a world full of distractions.
God is good and His mercy is everlasting. I think it’s appropriate to say that because it’s true! God’s love keeps on giving even when we’re not reciprocating that love. He’s still there, that faithful Father waiting for the prodigal son to return home. His mercy is there when we make mistakes and guilt and shame surround us. He extends His arm to lift us up instead of pointing a finger at us and scolding us for messing up. He’s a good Father.
I’m having a lot more freedoms now that I’m out of BCT and I knew that this sort of scenario could happen. I asked God to help me stay strong and focused on Him. It’s funny because God’s never far away from us. The Bible says that He is near. So in reality we’re the ones that stray away from God. But He’s still there. Always willing to receive us with open arms.
“that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;” – Acts 17:27
God’s never far away from us. That actually fills me with a sense of hope and encouragement. To know that regardless of our circumstances or where we find ourselves emotionally, mentally, or financially, God is always there. It should inject us all with new strength, new hope, and encouragement. We’re not alone in this world.
Simply witting about God makes me feel a whole lot better. Another reminder that He is not far from each one of us. I know I’m not a perfect person. None of us are perfect. We’re susceptible to making mistakes and feeling discouraged. But what we do have is a perfect and loving God.
I’m encouraged when I write about God and I hope you’re encouraged as well. The Bible says that God has good plans for each one of us. We have to have faith that we’re serving a real God that keeps His promises. During BCT I remember having a moment of fear. I was scared of the future and questioned my decision to join the Army National Guard. I explained what I was feeling to our Chaplain and he gave me advice that helped me tremendously.
He mentioned Psalm 23 and he told me that it’s all about trust. He started reciting the scripture to me and said that I have to trust the word. Sometimes, he said, the word is on our head but not in our hearts. We have to get it into our hearts. That impacted me and I started to read over Psalm 23, asking God to print His word on my heart. It gave me strength, hope, and encouragement. Fear and worry can come to our lives but that’s when we have to hold on to God and His word.
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” – Psalms 23:1-6
Life is full of distractions but our focus should always be on Christ. I know it’s not easy to remain focused. And I’m not saying we need to be monks or to live in a bubble. It’s okay to enjoy life and the blessings that God gives us. But I think the most important thing we can do is to have a personal relationship with our Creator. God is faithful to us and we can strive to be faithful to Him too everyday of our lives.
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