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REFLECTION
Open Invitation
by Elaine Pierce
Throughout scripture, God makes it clear that he wants to be in relationship with us. Look at how many times God invites us to spend time with him in the first 6 verses of Isaiah 55:
-Come, all you who are thirsty....come to the waters (v. 1)
-Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,(v. 2)
-Give ear, and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. (v. 3)
-Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. (v. 6)
And what happens when we come to him? Our perspective changes. We no longer 'spend money on what is not bread, and labor on what does not satisfy.' We 'eat what is good, and our souls will delight in the richest of fare.' And, ultimately, we will be blessed: "you will go out in joy and be led forth in peace (v. 12). "
I long that the desires of my heart are to spend time with God, but I confess that often that is not the case. It is so easy to get sidetracked, isn't it? I'll read just one more article online, and then I'll go back to God's word. My responsibilities are overwhelming in this holiday season - I don't have time for a devotion. Or, to be brutally honest, I do have time, but I'd rather do something else. It's easier. Safer. Spending time with God can feel like a one-way conversation, especially when we don't give him much time or attention.
God's promises are new every day. Rather than beating myself up over my lack of discipline, I will renew my spirit and come again to the Lord. He will have mercy on me, and he will freely pardon (v. 7). He will accomplish his purposes, and what joy it is to be part of his plan.
Lord, so often I chase after things that don't satisfy. I fill up with junk food and then wonder why my stomach aches. You invite me to come to you, and you will fill me with good things. You are the bread of life, and when I come to you I will never go hungry. I eagerly come to you and I thank you for your gifts and your love. Amen.
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