The Things You did at First

Revelation 2:5 “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (NIV).

How did you first fall in love with God? When did He first capture your heart? What types of things were you doing when His presence became so real to you?

It's easy to forget. Easy to get distracted. Easy to pile our own priorities on top of our time with Him. But at some point it affects us. At some point my heart turns cold. At some point I become numb. At some point I can't seem to hear Him like I used to. I can't feel His presence like I used to. In my human frailty I become distracted and lost. But God, in His kindness, uses my own emptiness to draw me back to His heart. And there He stands with arms wide open. Waiting for me. With love and compassion in His eyes.

And I remember the things I did at first. How my fervency was kindled by long walks with Him in the woods. How my faith was made fierce by long "tutoring sessions" with the Holy Spirit as we read His truth together in coffee shops and meditated on it.

I remember moments of worship that turned to hours that melted my stony heart and brought me joy and ecstasy like none other. I remember the things I did at first... and fervency wells in my heart once again. I do the things I did at first, and I fall in love with Him all over again.

Question: How have you and God been lately?

Psalm 63:1-8, "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live,

lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely" (NLT).