Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Posted on March 16, 2008
Filed Under about eastwood, life, opinion, salvation

Though this post might mean something special to virtually anyone, I’m specifically writing to those who, like me, have suffered from spending life in fear of the Lord, yet without feeling close to Him.

Fear of the Lord, in a “worshipful respect” sort of definition, is very important! But terror before the Lord, especially if it’s because you’re stuck deep in sin, isn’t something to continue. If that’s the case, you need to get on your knees, and pour out your heart in apology, being ready to repent (change your thinking) toward Him.

If you already do that, but want to have a relationship of love rather than just respectful fear, then this one is for you.

I often tell people that “God doesn’t want a religious person, but a relationship with Him”.

With all my opportunities to talk to spiritually-young Christians and unsaved seekers, a repeat question often asked is what I mean by a “relationship“?

How can we have a real relationship where we can’t see or hear the other person?

It’s a great question. It took me many years to move the “head knowledge” of what the Bible taught me - and I completely believed - down into my heart where it felt like I was a real part of the system. Before I felt it “in my heart”, I went through what seemed like eons of internal mental bickering with myself; trying to figure out how to “be good” and take God seriously, and whether I was even truly saved! That’s a headache, and enough to drive one bonkers.

I think the first time I really felt it inside was when I moved out of my girlfriend’s apartment - to spend a few months trying to put my spiritual life back together - after an extended wallow in the filth.

I should explain that I moved out specifically because I recognized that I had become something very wrong in God’s Eyes. I knew my spiritual life had literally gone to pot, and that I first needed to get out of there and clean up my lifestyle before I could really draw close to Him. (As an aside, my girlfriend was saved while I was away, independently of any of my efforts! God drew her to Him in His Own Way, and she broke down before Him. What a Blessing! A few months later, we reunited and married and have remained that way for many years. God knew what needed fixing, and fixed it!) Glory be to God Almighty!

Now back to my exile and spiritual awakening, The Book of Hebrews is what did it for me; hitting the concept home that I really WAS forgiven! I had known that, but couldn’t understand how He could continue to forgive the same sins, time after time. It didn’t add up.

I finally realized, internally, that I wasn’t surprising God with each new sin, but that He had really already forgiven them all. Despite the fact that He knew in advance that my Christian walk would be covered with ugly potholes, I was forgiven. Wow.

My response was a series of many heart-felt “Thank you’s” and more than a few tears as well. You have no idea how good it felt to get over that hump. But maybe, and I hope so, you actually do.

If not, what I tell people about “beginning the Relationship” is,
“Try this exercise…“.

• Start by getting somewhere alone; while you’re driving, taking a walk, looking out the window, on your knees - whatever.
• Then, just say, “Lord, Thank You for watching over me.”
• Then silently think on that - and only that - for a moment or two.
• Say it again, this time with feeling.
• And follow up with, “… and Thank You for _________. ” Use the first thing that pops in your head, and then ponder it.
• Then, “and Thank You for __________, “. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Keep a rough count as you go, no need to be exact. You should hit 2 dozen with ease. If not, you aren’t even trying! Imagine all the things He does. Every breath. Every heartbeat. Every proper function of your body. Your sight. Your home. Your car. Your life. His Grace. His Mercy. His Forgiveness. Your Salvation. Your Salvation. Your Salvation. Your ______.

One thing I include is thanking Him for the shame and guilt of my sin, as it pushes me to change, and denies me of happiness in that sin. That’s a heavy thought.

On the lighter side, if you’ve been behaving well; maybe think back on the apple you ate earlier, and how really amazing that apple is. And tell Him about it. Just keep telling Him what you discover. And smile. Be happy in Him.

I guarantee, that if you do that in an honest approach to Him, He will be listening and smiling a very knowing smile. Why? Because He knew exactly when The Relationship would eventually start, and He sees you right now, in your day! It’s happening, because as you pass 50 Thank You’s, you will be full well realizing just Who this “guy” you’re praying to really is!

He’s your Loving Father, and He has had your back since prior to Day One. He really digs you, and wants to have a “spirit to spirit” relationship of love - a communion - with you. And my experience is, as you approach 200 and maybe before, you should probably have a tear in your eye, realizing just how much you love this God, and how you wish you Two had met earlier!

He is far more than we can imagine.

And He Loved us the entire time.

And now that you have met… talk to Him like the beloved Father He Is. Laugh with Him. Cry on Him. Tell Him the things that you are having trouble with, and ask Him to continue Cleansing you. Apologize and ask forgiveness. Do the Thank You thing at least once a week, if not daily.

These talks eventually become instant, all day quickies, as you automatically begin talking to Him as your beloved Father! You begin to really grasp that He is right there next to you, surrounding you. That’s when it gets fun. Smiling and walking Together with God is something wonderful, that everyone needs to experience.

Just Love Him.

Enjoy your budding Relationship!

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17 KJV

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, [then] have we confidence toward God. 1 John 3:18-21 KJV

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:15-19 KJV

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