How can we avoid treating God as a "stranger" in our daily walk? The Warning of Hosea 8:12 “Though I wrote for them the great things of My law, they regarded them as something strange.” Israel’s problem wasn’t ignorance; God had already spoken clearly. Their danger was treating what He said—and therefore God Himself—as unfamiliar, distant, “strange.” The same can slip into our lives if we grow casual with His Word and presence. Recognizing Signs We’re Drifting • Scripture feels optional or merely academic, not a living voice (Hebrews 4:12). • Prayer becomes rushed, irregular, or purely crisis-driven (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Sin is managed instead of confessed and forsaken (Psalm 32:3-5). • Worship turns spectator-like: attending services without genuine engagement (John 4:23). • Spiritual conversations disappear from everyday talk (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Keeping God Familiar: Practical Habits 1. Daily, deliberate Scripture intake • Read, meditate, and memorize; let the Word “dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Look for Christ in every passage (Luke 24:27) so the Bible becomes a meeting place, not a textbook. 2. Continual, real-time prayer • Start the day acknowledging Him (Psalm 5:3). • Carry on short, honest prayers while driving, working, shopping—“pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • End each day reviewing it with Him, thanking, confessing, trusting (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Prompt obedience • Act on the smallest promptings of the Spirit (John 14:21). • Keep short accounts—confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). Obedience keeps fellowship warm. 4. Intentional worship • Sing, speak, or listen to praise that exalts His character (Psalm 34:1). • Gather with believers faithfully (Hebrews 10:24-25). Corporate worship refreshes personal devotion. 5. God-centered relationships • Discuss Scripture and answered prayer with family and friends (Malachi 3:16). • Serve others in His name; love expressed toward people fuels love toward God (1 John 4:20-21). Guardrails for the Journey • Schedule regular “heart checks”: ask, “Am I more excited about God today than a month ago?” (Revelation 2:4-5). • Fast from media or hobbies when they begin crowding out time with Him (Matthew 6:17-18). • Keep a gratitude journal; thanksgiving sharpens awareness of His nearness (Psalm 100:4). The Promise of Nearness “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) God does not wish to be a stranger. As we honor His Word, engage in continual prayer, and walk in ready obedience, we experience the warm, daily friendship He always intended. |
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