Happy Spring everyone!
Since I live in Florida, where it’s pretty much Summer all the time, I like to at least pretend to notice a change in seasons.
Just like I’ll pretend it’s not 90 degrees outside, I want you to pretend you are holding a flower in your hand.
Okay, now hold it about an arms-length away from your face.
Now, I want you to smell it.
How does it smell?
I hope you are thinking to yourself, “Well I probably can’t smell it.”
That’s the point.
You’ll understand where I am going with this as you continue reading.
The Lord taught me a very simple, yet powerful lesson the other day: you won’t be able to smell the roses if you don’t get close enough.
This simple truth led me to a deeper understanding of what a relationship with Jesus looks like…A relationship with God isn’t meant to be experienced from a distance. It’s supposed to be close and intimate.
I am thankful for the sweet analogy between smelling flowers and a relationship with God: He desires for us to draw near to Him and fully experience His goodness — every second of every day. Just like flowers are beautiful to look at, they are even more lovely if you can smell them.
The same is true of God! Yes, He is beautiful in every aspect, mighty beyond compare, and lovely in more ways than we can count, but if we’re only observing Him from an arms-length away, were not fully experiencing His fullness and glory! If we don’t lean in and allow ourselves to get close to Him, we may not experience all He has for us.
So, what is stopping you from drawing close and fully experiencing God’s goodness?
I think it’s because some of us feel like we need to get our acts together or clean up the mess we’ve made before we can approach the Throne of God, but let me encourage you with a verse out of Matthew that may change your perspective on this.
Jesus says,
He doesn’t say to run from me and figure out life on your own. He says COME TO ME!! He not only says “come to me,” but He tells us to bring all of our baggage, everything that is laboring over us, all burdens, all mistakes and give them to Him. I can’t think of a better way to sum this up other than: pure, unconditional love.
I don’t want us to just settle for a life that is distant from God.
Let’s approach each and every day with a heart postured towards Him and a desire to draw near to Him. Let’s ask Him to hold our hand and walk us through the ups and downs, highs and lows. Let’s allow Him to enter the dark places that we try so hard to cover up and fix on our own. Let’s draw near to the Creator of the universe and allow Him to become Lord of our lives.
When we do this, a flame is lit in our hearts that casts out all fear, shame and bondage.
Guys, He wants us to experience …
- His GOODNESS,
- His FAITHFULNESS,
- His HOLINESS…
- His EVERYTHING.
So why don’t we let Him?
My name is Brooke Richards and I’m a sophomore at UF. My majors are psychology and journalism. I’d describe myself as a go-getter, who shoots for the stars, even when the outcome seems impossible. I started my blog to inspire people, provide a source of encouragement and share how Jesus is working in my life. I credit 100% of my successes to The Lord, who provides for me far more than I could ever deserve.
Contact Info: Email: blrich1399@gmail.com Website: brookerichards.org
