Within the heart of every man and woman there is a place that only God can fill. We may try to satisfy our longings with different things; but until we come to a point of full surrender to Him, we will remain vulnerable to fearful thoughts, feelings of discontentment, and selfish desires, as well as pride and lust.

But when you fellowship with God, He begins to transform the very core of your being – shifting your focus from yourself to Christ. He takes the throne of your heart – confirming you to His character, freeing you of sinful strongholds, and surrounding you with His eternal care.

Practically speaking, you cannot experience this unless you actively seek to walk in God’s ways and surrender yourself to Him. As long as you hold Him at arm’s length, you cannot know Him. This is because abiding relationships, including yours with the Lord, can only exist and grow through mutual intimacy.

Friend, the only relationship that can fill your longings, sustain you through difficulties, and bring you peace is the relationship you have with God. Don’t hold Him back in any way.

“You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You.” (Psalm 16:2)

(From “Every Day in His Presence,” by Charles Stanley)