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   “Make yourselves at home in my love.  If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love…..I’ve told you these things that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.”  ~ John 15: 9-10  (The Message Bible)

When I first met my husband, David, I fell quickly and deeply in love with him.  To see his face or hear his voice made my heart “flutter and smile”.  I loved being with him.  I would talk (something I’m very good at); and he would listen (something he’s very good at).  We became the closest of friends and soul-mates.

After 15 years of marriage, he still makes my heart “flutter and smile”.  I still love being with him, talking with him, or sometimes just snuggling in his arms – a place that gives me much peace and safety.  He is still my closest friend and deepest soul-mate.

That’s exactly how God wants us to feel toward Him!  He wants us to be intimately in love with Him, desiring to be with Him, talk with Him, and sometimes just snuggle closely in His arms as He gives us peace and rest.

Just as my husband brings joy to my heart, God wants us to find joy in His presence!  He wants His joy to become our joy!  He wants us to be so filled with His joy and peace that it spills over from our lives into the lives of other people.

Sometimes,  we become so focused on ourselves and our own circumstances or desires that we fail to truly focus on our relationship with our Lord.  We were created for close, intimate fellowship with Him.  He loves us more than we will ever be able to comprehend.  He is a jealous God who wants our attention and affection.

Let me encourage you today:  Become intimate with God.  Allow yourself to focus on Him and His will for your life.  When you get the focus off of yourself and your own circumstances and focus solely on Him, you’ll find your heart filled with joy, peace, and thankfulness!