Stepping Stones: Closeness, Not Absence, Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Transformational Thought

When we were first married, predicting what my wife would order for dinner, knowing how she would react to a surprise, or guessing how she would handle a hurtful situation were works in progress and nearly impossible to predict. Now I know what my wife will order in different restaurants, the movies she likes, what words hurt or encourage her, and how she will react to different people and situations. She know me the same way, although she still has a false belief that someday I will like the vegetables she makes each night at dinner.

How did we get to know each other’s mind so well? It wasn’t easy, although sometimes it was fun. But it took time. In fact, it was the time we spent together paying attention and listening to each other. We were motivated to know each other’s minds, both to love the other person better as well as to help make life more manageable and enjoyable.

God’s intent for us is to be conformed to the likeness of Christ … to develop the mind of Christ. In order for this to happen, I need to know Christ … really understand who He is and how He thinks. How do you really get to know anybody? You spend time with them and pay attention. Once you see how they think and get to know their perspective, you can really appreciate what they love and why they love it. As you spend more time with Jesus, you can’t help but care for Him more, and start to love the things He loves.

Today try to make time to sit quietly in the presence of your Lord. I know how difficult it is to concentrate, but even the effort will please God and bring you peace. Like any skill, the more you practice, the easier it gets, and the better you get at it.

Today, try taking a few minutes after reading the daily devotional to absorb God’s Word. Spend a few minutes imagining how Christ views your toughest situation today. How will you react to the situation by viewing it the way Jesus would?

Prayer
Dear Father, I am sitting quietly in Your presence, waiting and expecting Your blessings. Help make my mind still, Lord, in the midst of all the confusion. Make my mind still like a pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts You drop into my mind. Help me rest in Your presence, as I consider the challenges this day presents. Help me keep my focus on You … to keep looking to and communicating with You as we walk through this day together. I pray this in the name of the One with the perfect mind, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
1 Peter 4:1

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:16-17