3 Questions

Personal devotions have always been a struggle for me. Each time I pull out my Bible, my mind races with excuses: I lack focus. I fail. I don't know what to study. I'm tired. I become enslaved by the daunting task that seems impossible to me. And it is. How can I, a sinful, depraved being, possible hope for a vibrant, intimate relationship with God? On my own, I can't.

For years I tried doing everything in my power to regulate my devotions. I have completed Bible reading plans, marked my calendar, journaled, met with an accountability partner, & completed group Bible studies. Still, there have persisted times when I sat down to talk with God that I felt nothing. No connection. No intimacy. Nothing.

Why? because daily devotions shouldn't be a duty--something I mark off my checklist--but an intense desire to become intimate with God, the creator of the universe & lover of my soul. Over the past several months, God has changed my view of personal devotions with three simple questions.

Who is God?
The Bible is God's autobiography. Everytime I open His Word, whether He is explicitly mentioned or not, I can (& should) be learning about Him. His character permeates every page. I could spend a lifetime reading, meditating on, studying, & discussing God's Word but I will never understand the depth of His character. So, every day I ask myself, "Who is God?" I have been blissfully shocked by what I have already learned. But I must warn you, my God is as just as He is loving, as holy as He is good.

Who am I?
Knowing who God is should illuminate the reality of who I am. No exceptions, lies, or twisting of the truth: I am a wretched, depraved sinner who has no right to claim Christ's righteousness. All my good works are as filthy rags. I must see my works--good & bad--as God sees them before I can ever hope to be molded into the image of His Son.

Who am I in Him?
This is my favorite part. Despite the fact that I am a miserable sinner, God offers just & righteous forgiveness to me through the blood of Christ. Understand, you & I are nothing without the shedding of Christ's blood. But, because of Christ's selfless, sinless sacrifice, you & I can be heirs of Heaven! The same Book that is an autobiography of God's character is also a handbook for the Christian life: God has given me everything I need to become more like Him!

These three questions have impacted the way I look at my God & myself. How can I be proud of my sin before a holy, righteous God? How can I live in sulking depression when God offers forgiveness?

My relationship with God has been revitalized. Yes, I still have those days where my, in my sin, I lose focus & struggle finding meaning in God's Word, but all I have to do is ask myself three questions.

So, ask yourself: Who is God? Who am I? Who am I in Him?