I started a conversation with the knowledge of how many are my failings, even intentional sin.  A question arose, Do I attempt to relate to you as perfect justice, pure righteousness, and the Almighty?  A reply followed, If so, can you know me as I fully am, your Father in Heaven?  Would you try to relate to your earthly father in such an impersonal manner?  I began to hear and see things differently, no relationship can be based on performance measurements or compliance standards, but a relationship is the answer to my failings.  Father God is far more than a traffic light flashing green, yellow, and red.  The enemy’s main attack is the thing I ignored, while I was concentrating on things that only looked important.  This realization came like sunshine piercing through the clouds.  I agreed, Yes, a right relationship with you Father God is everything, and it is not built upon either my sin or struggling to relate to the Law-giver and Judge.

I haven’t trusted you enough to establish the repore necessary between a friend, family member, and Father.  The pain and hurt I encountered were too great and incomprehensible for me, so I struck out on my own, in my own strength.  That path only leads to failure, more confusion and hurt.  Now I see, I will return to my Father’s house where everyone has nourishment and to spare.  “So he got up and went to his father.  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’  But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’  So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15: 20-24).

Your presence Father God is my good.  In you only can I find answers, help, strength, life, joy, peace and salvation.  “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Ps. 51: 10-12).