What is the Point of Everything?

“For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!”    Isaiah 64:4

I have a question for you.  What is the point of everything?  Have you ever thought about that?  Why did God create?  More importantly, why did he create us?  Take as much time as you need in your quietness to consider that one for a moment….

The only thing that makes sense is Love.  God wanted relationship.  It’s why we were created in his image.  He certainly didn’t need gardeners.  He didn’t need help with the landscaping.  Have you ever considered that your only reason for existence in the eyes of God is so you can be in a deep and meaningful relationship with him?

So think about this.  If he didn’t need gardeners when he created man, why would we think that he needs us for anything now?  The only thing that made sense then, is the only thing that makes sense now.  He desires to walk in the cool of the day with you, to gaze on the beauty of his creation along with you, to join with you as you meditate on his splendor, to enjoy you and be enjoyed by you.  That’s what I pray that you will discover in this period of waiting on him.  He desires you.  Have him, and be had by him.

I know some of you have heard me speak before of the “bridal paradigm” in our relationship with him.  In my life with Jill for over 25 years, it’s when we are walking hand in hand, lounging on the couch, or just enjoying being together and she asks me to do something for her.  It doesn’t really matter what it is.  I want to do anything for her in that moment.  It is no mistake that all throughout the scriptures our relationship with God is framed in bridal language.  We, the church, are his bride.  In the context of that relationship, what do you ask of him?  Do you see him that way?  Can you lean into him and tenderly ask the big things of him, trusting that he would move heaven and earth to give you the desires of your heart?  Do you know him well enough to know the desires of his?

That is what awaits us in the mystery of prayer in the Holy Spirit.  There is more passion, power, and extravagance than any of us can possibly imagine when we begin to consider the possibilities of giving ourselves completely to him, and only to him, as his beloved bride.

When we become extravagant lovers of God, we will never again have to wonder if his presence still resides among us and within us in great power.

“Lord Jesus, lover of our souls, we lift our hearts to you because we desire to become lovers of God.  To speak face to face with you and to know your thoughts.  To abide in your love, and your love in us.  To know with confidence that we were made for you.  Father, bring into our consciousness how desperately you love us.  Help us to walk powerfully in that assurance.  Teach us the language of your love in our prayers, and help us to fall headlong into a real, empowered and passionate relationship with you.  Fill us with desire for you and for the church which causes us to become all that you have destined us to be.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

- Doug Bishop