Intentions

When I started this blog last year, I intended it to be an outlet for documenting my journey of renewal with Jesus throughout the year. I did not make any promises to myself about how often I would post, or to what depths I would go in my mind's wanderings. This seemed to be a good idea at the time, no pressure, you know? But seeing as I only posted four times in the last year and few months, I am questioning the effectiveness of my "no pressure" approach. This has left me pondering the importance of intention in my relationship with things and people in my life. I have been learning about intentions in relationships for a few years now, as these thoughts and lessons really started to become apparent while I was living in Seattle. This, of course, began to spill over into other areas in my life. I have been learning how important it is to be intentional in my time with friends and my sister, cousins and parents. I thought I had it figured out, and it was then that I heard a small voice whispering "What about me?"
It became clear that the most important relationship that I need to apply intentionality to is my relationship with Christ. Duh, right? You would think!
But when I take time to pray, worship and read the Word, it is so important that I do it and expect a reply! Jesus says we do not have, because we do not ask. As I spend time with Him and am honest with myself about the things I want and need, I need to articulate that to my Father. This is the core of being intentional. And I am amazed with the ways that He responds to my intentionality...
It is not by him granting a "yes" to every prayer of want, nor is it always an immediate feeling of comfort, inspiration or endurance when I need it. It is in Him giving me knowledge of His power and control over my life; knowledge of His overwhelming love for me. But more than that, He is calling me to trust him. And as I continue to be intentional with Christ, I know that my trust and knowledge will grow as He fulfills His promises to me.

Sometimes, when I am at church on Sunday mornings, or singing worship songs in my head, I get this feeling of something more than air rushing into my lungs before I finish a breath. I breathe in longer, slower. I close my eyes and just breathe, letting this "something" take over. This is something that is more vital to my life than even the air I breathe. It is His presence, and He is making himself known to me, in this gentle way. 

"You are closer than my next breath. 

Oh Lord, King of my heart, continue to meet me as I strive to be intentional with you. For you are great; worthy and worthy to be praised."