When God Said 'I Do' Instead of 'Thou Shalt'

Dear Reader;

Today, this morning I was reading Isa 54:5 & 62:5, I found myself thinking about the nature of my relationship with the Divine. It's easy to fall into routines, to view spirituality as a series of obligations or rituals. But something I read today challenged that perspective in a profound way.

I've always thought of God as this immense, awe-inspiring being - and He is. But what struck me was the idea that He might desire something more... intimate. The image of God as a partner, a spouse even, is both beautiful and slightly unsettling. It's so different from how I usually think about divinity.

I tried to imagine how I'd feel if someone I loved treated me with constant, formal reverence instead of warmth and affection. It made me realize that perhaps my approach to spirituality has been too rigid, too focused on doing things "right" rather than fostering a genuine connection.

The idea of God feeling "lonely" or desiring companionship is hard to wrap my head around. It's humbling to think that the Creator of the universe might yearn for a closer relationship with us. It makes me wonder - have I been neglecting this aspect of my spiritual life?

Moving forward, I want to find a balance. I still believe in the importance of reverence and respect, but I also want to explore this idea of a more intimate, personal relationship with the Divine. Maybe it's about opening my heart more, being more vulnerable in my prayers, or simply spending more time in quiet reflection.

This shift in perspective feels like it could be the beginning of a new chapter in my spiritual journey. I'm both excited and a little nervous about where it might lead. But if there's one thing I'm taking away from today's reflection, it's this: love - deep, personal, intimate love - seems to be at the core of what the Divine desires from us.

As I close this entry, I'm left with a question: How can I cultivate a spiritual life that honors both the majesty and the deeply personal nature of the Divine?

until next time

Chaplain Mark