Recently, I was listening to a news report as they interviewed people who had experienced the ravages of a tornado. When one lady was asked about her experience she said that she had never prayed in her life before but when she heard the roar and realized that its arrival was imminent, she quickly got out “Dear Lord…” before it hit.

Apparently, the woman had never entertained the idea of needing God in her life until she felt helpless and in imminent danger. At that desperate moment she did acknowledge God but obviously did not have a relationship with Him since they had never communicated before. Why did she use the word “dear”? Was it because it was a familiar formality? I’ve mentioned before that Christianity is not just a formality where we can check certain “works” off a list. Rather, Christianity is about a growing relationship with our Creator. That relationship develops much as earthly relationships do through interaction and spending time together. We learn more about Him as He becomes more and more part of our daily routine.

What is that relationship like from God’s perspective? He loves us with a perfect love. The content of Jeremiah 31 refers to the gathering of the Israelites in ancient times as well as the final gathering of the church when Christ returns. Listen to the tenderness of God’s heart for His people. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness,” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV).

What is that relationship like from our perspective? It would positively affect our whole outlook on life. Who wouldn’t want “everlasting love and unfailing kindness” integrated into their daily life?

What is that relationship like from the perspective of those around us? We are often recognized by what appears important in our lives. The Queen of Sheba, curious about the wisdom God gave Solomon, went to see him. “When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions,” (I Kings 10:1 NIV). Did you catch that? Solomon was known “by his relationship with the Lord!”

Do our lives indicate evidence of our relationship with the Lord? We are not as famous as Solomon was for his wisdom but we are told to live life in this way. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (I Peter 3:15 NIV).

We can find true peace and hope only in learning God’s perspective on life as the Psalmist David did. “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever,” (Psalm 73:21-26 NIV).

Let’s lean into God’s perfect love as we walk through this life focused on a relationship with Him.

Author of a second book, “Journeys in Faith, Pursing Obedience,” containing more than 50 additional devotionals written for The Minot Daily News.