Personal space?

 

James 4:8 ESV

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Yesterday something strange happened.  I was ordering my food  at Subway and the next customer came and stood right next to me.  She did not stand behind me and wait, but pulled up right beside me invading my personal space.  I did all that I could do try to create some distance, but when I moved she moved.  When it came time to pay, I finally couldn't hold my tongue and I asked for some personal space. As soon as I said it, I immediately thought of Jesus. The question popped in my head. Do I ask God for personal space or do I draw near to Him?

I want to feel His presence, but do I want Him stride for stride like the young customer who meant me no harm?  I am still figuring that out, but I know the Lord says draw near to Him and He will draw near to me.  I need the Lord near me.  I need His strength and grace to live out the days that He has blessed me with.  I want to move when He moves and He move when I move so that I can be abiding in Him and Him in me.  I do not want any space between us.  I want to be hidden in Christ, breathing the air He exhales to me.

The second part of James 4:8 tells us to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts.  God is a Holy God and we are called to be holy ( 1 Peter 1:16).   We should be singular devotion to God and convicted in our thought to love Jesus; committed to His ways and not double-minded.  We are to be His and serve one Master.

Lord, thank You for using everyday things in life as way to check my heart and attitude.  May I surrender and submit to You.  May I draw near to You so that You may draw near to me. Forgive me for when I ask for space, I do so in ignorance.  I love you Lord and bless that customer.  In Jesus name. Amen