Do You Need to “Cozy” Up to God? I Do!
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7: 37-38.
Staring at the computer screen a few years ago, I wondered what on earth the retreat planner had in mind. “Our theme is ‘Cozy up to God’”, she emailed. “Could you speak on this?”
Rereading her words, I thought, Cozy up to God? Isn’t this a little too “cozy,” like maybe bordering on irreverent? After all, God is Mighty, Awesome, All-Powerful, All-Knowing—not some ancient celestial terry bear, or a harmless old Grandpa wanting us to climb onto his lap and be cuddled as if we were thumb sucking two-year old’s.
“Cozy up to God?” I repeated out loud. “Lord, how do You want me to handle this? Please give me Your insights.”
Questions spilled over: Who would cozy up to someone they don’t know? Don’t trust? Someone who might judge and reject them? Someone they might not believe exists.
Some of you might have found a loving bond with God as your Father early on in your faith journey. But for many, it takes a repeated process of longing and being filled, just like our physical hunger. Then later, the longing for a fresh encounter with God comes again—and again. That longing is planted by God’s Spirit, drawing us to hunger and thirst for closeness, to “cozy up to God.”
As a young mom, and new believer, I desperately wanted to get closer to God. I was spiritually dry and parched, with little understanding of who God was, or how to draw close and experience His power in my life.
I hated the angry and resentful person I had become. And when the pastor of our small church preached on living a life that pleased God, tears rolled down my face as I silently cried, But how, Lord? How can I do that?
Have you been there? Are you there now? If you are, please get in touch via my website. I would like to encourage and pray for you as I know there are times in life that are soooo hard.
Becoming a woman who walks with Jesus, who flourishes spiritually and emotionally, takes time. It also takes learning about God and how He works in our lives which only comes through soaking your heart and mind in Scripture. In addition, it takes obedience to what the Spirit shows needs to be repented of and changed.
In my own journey there have been lots and lots of tears of failure, of longings to be transformed, but ultimately, of incredible joy and gratitude. God can and does change us—our heart motives, our attitudes, our longings, and our choices.
It’s been a joy for me to lead two small online groups these past six months going through two incredibly helpful tools for spiritual and emotional growth. “Flourish” by Dr. Catherine Hart Weber and “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality,” by Pastor and author Peter Scazzero have brought insight, encouragement, and practical helps to living a vibrant Christian life.
This Fall, starting in mid-September, you’ll get a chance to join me in one of these small groups. They will only have 5-6 women each, so if you’re interested send me your name before the spots are filled. More details will follow.
In the meantime, I’m praying your hunger to cozy up to God grows and grows, and you will be alive with His Spirit flowing through you.
Blessings in the wonderful name and work of Jesus, our Lord.
Poppy