Have you ever been under the water and felt the pressure to get oxygen? No matter how hard you're fighting to reach the top, it still feels like it's not fast enough... your heart beats harder, the thought coming to your mind - 'what if I don't make it???' You feel that physical need - that desperation - to breathe in air!
and FINALLY - when you break through the surface and suck in that deep breath of goodness, you never knew air tasted that crisp!
It's in my nature to push. I fight to excel - It's like I live life swimming through the water, staying down as long as humanly possible... And by the time I feel the desperate need for air, it's a fight to reach the top before it's too late.
Why do you think it is that we often live our lives this way? What is this drive in us that makes us push so much, staying down for so long before realizing our desperate need?
I've learned that the biggest danger is living out our relationships with God this way. We tuck our head down, push through our days and nights until we finally feel that breaking point, then we push to run as quickly to God as possible, hoping we make it in time. I'm guilty of having done that. Have you?
I think back of when I was a child and my grandparents put me in swimming lessons. I remember my biggest challenge was learning to breathe while I swam. I'd use up all my air, then almost stop swimming to suck up air before going back under. I recall my instructor telling me to take smaller amounts of air at a time, but more frequently...
Is it wrong for me to compare time with God in the same way? God honors our heart and welcomes us whenever we turn to Him - I'm not challenging that. BUT - I think we might be able to stave off some of those 'desperation' moments in life if we stay connected with Him, more engaged in His Word, more aware of His voice...
So, what are some practical ways that we do this? How do you stay more connected to God on a regular basis?
