Hanging Out Together
by Peter Brokaar
We usually use the word fellowship in reference to believers sharing a rich time together. This is something so precious in this life and something we probably all value and appreciate. But are we aware that God, too, longs for our fellowship?
Like many other people during this lockdown, I have a bit more time available to allocate to things I normally am, or feel I am, too busy for. So, this week I embarked on a small woodwork project, something simple to match my modest level of ability. I cannot say I had any profound reason for this project, other than that I simply felt like doing it. As I was working with the wood, I felt relaxed and enjoyed my time. I became aware of our Father’s presence and it felt to me as if He, too, was enjoying being present during this process. I was not actively praying, I was not asking Him for anything, and I don’t feel that He was asking anything particular of me during that time. Yet I felt a deep connection with Him, and I enjoyed His Presence there with me.
My thoughts drifted towards the many scriptures which speak of God’s desire to have deep and personal fellowship with us. This must be one of the reasons that He hates sin so much. It wrecks our fellowship with Him. He cannot dwell with us when we sin. Jesus came to cleanse us and thus clear the road to unending fellowship between our Maker and His children. We must do all that we can to remain pure and repent as quickly as we can when we do get into sin.
As if to confirm my thoughts, later that day my son said something which echoed my own thoughts from earlier that day. I was working in the grounds and he came to help me. As he was chatting away, he suddenly said, “You know, I am working hard, but I love it, because, for me, it’s just father and son time.” He enjoyed my company, and of course I was enjoying his.
Serving God and doing things for His Kingdom is great, important, even. But busyness can sometimes keep us away from the most important thing of all: true fellowship with our heavenly Father. Perhaps these days, when we are not able to do as much as usual, can be used to deepen this precious foundation of our relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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