The Point of Entry

Enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21b (KJV)

I am learning to hear God’s invitations to me. They are inclusive, extravagant, and lavish. I use to miss them when the words of God never seemed to leave the pages of Scripture and enter my heart. How easy it was to read this verse from Matthew and think it was only meant for the ears of the faithful servants who showed good stewardship. The invitation was for them, the joy was for them, and the closeness was for them. I did not know how to approach Scripture as anything other than an outsider. I was an observer rather than a participant. The words had no meaning for me. My lack of connection to the Bible was due to my not having an intimate connection with its Author. As my daily relationship with God changed it affected my approach to His Word.

Was I saved? Absolutely. But my spiritual life was limited to my interactions with people rather than with my heavenly Father. Rather than going to Him directly I looked to people to tell me about Him. Mine was a faith that was mostly built on the opinions and experiences of others. I couldn’t seem to hear what He wanted to tell me directly. There is no joy in that kind of Christianity. It becomes a life of neediness and continual searching.

But oh the joy that comes when props are kicked out from under you, securities are removed, and you find yourself alone with God. Entering into His joy is an invitation to join Him. Partner with Him. It is no longer being satisfied to let others nourish you by feeding off their plates. Instead it is learning to meet with Him one on one. It involves trust, obedience, submission, and conformity. It is a oneness that cannot be fully described.

Entering in means closeness and drawing near. It means participating in the same activities. Laying aside my own agendas in favor of God’s agendas. It means aligning my passions with His. Each morning the invitation is given anew and I must choose whether or not I will accept it. May I see the delight in His eyes and hear the love in His voice as He once again asks, “Will you join Me?”

Father, thank you for opening my ears so I could finally hear Your voice. I do not know what You have planned for today but I choose to join You for whatever that would be. I am ready to share in Your happiness. Amen.