A hunter was searching in the forest for the tracks of a lion, and, catching sight presently of a woodman engaged in felling a tree, he went up to him and asked him if he had noticed a lion's footprints anywhere about, or if he knew where his den was. The woodman answered, "If you will come with me, I will show you the lion himself." The hunter turned pale with fear, and his teeth chattered as he replied, "Oh, I'm not looking for the lion, thanks, but only for his tracks."
Aesop's Fables
How often is this how we approach God? We talk about Him, read the Bible, read books about Him, discuss Him with others, but when it comes down to really meeting with Him... Why might we shy away from that? Being in His presence makes us see ourselves for who we really are. It's not necessarily a comfortable experience, because it requires change. Sometimes it is easier to let others such as pastors or authors seek God for us and tell us what He says, but is that what God desires?
Susan: "Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
Mr. Beaver: "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King."
The Lion the Witch and Wardrobe
Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die." Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin." The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was. Exodus 20:18-21
...This people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men. Isaiah 29:13
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord. James 4:8-10a
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
3 comments:
Thanks, Amy! Your post is encouraging!
Thanks, Lauree Beth! Your comment is encouraging:)
Thanks for commenting on our site, Amy. I had left you a comment about it, but you must not have seen it.
Those are some neat thoughts and exerpts. It reminds me of in The Last Battle where the animals come in at the end and look straight in Aslan's face. "Some animals' faces showed fear and hatred and the others looked at him and loved him but some were very frightened at the same time."
I thank God that he allows us to come before Him and He welcomes us with open arms and calms our fears.
Abby
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