Wednesday 27 January 2021

Closer to God

Lately, I have been pondering my desire to grow closer to God. 

Growing closer to God is not a topic that is widely discussed over a cup of tea, or a nice glass of Shiraz. I am not even sure where the desire comes from, but that is beside the point. 

 

It is the phrase that puzzles me most. For me, God is within each and every one of us. God is the one' in whom we move and have our being'. God is closer to our breathing than we are to ourselves. And so the desire is not to grow closer to God, but to grow in awareness of the presence of God in my life.

 

Many books have been written about 'how to open ourselves to God', to meditate and pray, practice Lectio Divina and to listen to the small voice within. Spiritual practices seem straight forward, 'do this to achieve that'…

 

I wonder how I would know that I am closer to God, or more aware of God. Will my life change? Will the outlook change? Do people detect a change within me if God and I grew closer? What would that look like?

 

The idea of being close to God and not worry; to take each day as it comes, trusting in the providence of the Almighty­– nah that is not in my nature. I am more of a control freak than that. And let's face it, God is far too busy to worry about the small stuff, I am sure She doesn't mind if I keep my finger on the pulse.

 

My idea of closer to God, inner peace and greater awareness will radiate from being on the right track. Whatever that track may look like. In general, that is not what I perceive from fellow travellers on the journey. As Julia Cameron states, 'God is no laughing matter'. Dealing with God is serious stuff! 

 

But is it? 

 

If the God we worship is a God of love and mercy, why are people so critical and self-absorbed with their way of interpreting the Bible, or their way of worship? Listen to any average sermon on a Sunday, or as in our case, unfortunately, on a weekday as well- most of the sermons are no laughing matter. They are seldom inspirational, often filled with notions of reconciliation and repentance. That doesn't instil the curiosity to grow closer to God; it rather puts people off.

 

Sermons and Church teachings around reconciliation and repentance put me off too. Those subjects are seldom a point of encouragement or support. Repentance is regularly used to instil guilt rather than hope. Repentance, to turn back to God, not because we are bad or naughty, but because it is great to be in a loving- supportive environment.

 

Growing in awareness of God's presence is not about attending church, genuflecting at the right time, saying our prayers and nodding in agreement with the priest. Growing in awareness is paying attention, being present in what we are doing at any given time. Yes, reading spiritual books and the bible help this focus; so does prayer as long as we take the time to listen; stop and smell the roses and get our feet wet at the beach. 

 

 

Seek Peace. Find it within.

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