Will I Worship?

Today in Journey Group, Dino introduced the book we will be studying over the next 5 weeks.  It is entitled Will You Worship? and was co-authored by himself and a worship pastor he has known for many years.  The purpose of the book is to be a tool for an intentional 30 day journey of deepening your relationship with Christ.  I'm so thankful that our group is doing this book.  It couldn't come at a better time in my life than right now.  I am more aware now than ever before how much I want my passion for God to be rekindled. 

It was interesting that Dino made a comment that he believes God is always nearer to us than we think He is, and we are nearer to Him than we think we are.  That really made me stop and think.  Am I allowing my emotions to dictate to me where God is in my life, or am I allowing His Word to speak truth into my situation?  Am I giving Satan the ability to make me feel farther from God than I am by not claiming the promise that as I draw near to God, He will draw near to me?  Deep thoughts.

Another blessing tonight was that Susanna stopped over for a couple of hours after I got back from Journey Group.  (Thankfully my refrigerator was replaced today so she didn't have to deal with much more than vague remnants of the stink).  But it was so encouraging to talk about the struggles we've both been having recently and to pray with and for one another.  I am so blessed to have a friend like Susanna to worship alongside.

I'm learning to be especially thankful for the friendships God has placed in my life, even though time and distance separates many of us.  It is easy to still allow my emotions to take over my thoughts, but I am learning to focus on His truth even through that pain.  He is so loving to allow us to live in community and experience His love through our interaction with one another as we live to glorify Him together as His body, His bride.