For those who have believed in God for many years, reaching out to God in times of trouble is pretty natural. In fact many of us may be quick to ask God for help when we encounter a problem, and some of us quick to thank God when our problem is resolved. But what about the period in between, after our problems are resolved and before the next hardship has come our way? What about when the going is good?
For me, this is the period when I tend to push God away the most. Life is smooth; I just want to enjoy it. I want to spend more time hanging out or on hobbies/interests I don’t have time for otherwise. I don’t need to read so much Bible or pray thirty minutes at a time anymore; I can relax a bit and do what I want.
We have the faith to ask God for help and the courtesy to acknowledge him when he bestows a major blessing on us, but do we really treat God as our friend? Do we willingly spend time meditating on his word even when we aren’t looking for comfort? Do we praise and thank God for another typical day, smoothly come and gone? How much would it please God if we took the time, in our happiness and contentment, to say “Lord, I am happy and well. Thank you.”
In Luke 17:11-19, ten lepers cried out to Jesus. Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest, and while they were on their way they were cleansed. Nine of them possibly thought, “I can finally go and see my family and friends! I can finally enjoy my life!” But only one threw himself at Jesus’ feet and humbly said “Thank you, Lord. I am well now.”
Sometimes when I talk with my mom over the phone, she asks me, “Are you happy?” Our parents try very hard to let us live a happy life. If we are happy, we should let them know so they can have joy knowing their efforts have made a difference. So it is with God, our friend and Father. As eager as he is for us to confide in him, he is eager for us to share our joys with him, to let him know that his sacrifice wasn’t for nothing, and that his love, in times of distress or peace, does not go unnoticed.