Just Be

I recently read a letter C.S. Lewis wrote to a woman answering her question of why God wants us. In the brief letter, he explained God didn’t want us “for anything,” but rather He just wanted us.

As I read those few, brief words, excitement and conviction filled my soul. Excitement, because they reminded me of God’s love for us. Yes, God may have a purpose for our lives, but He didn’t redeem us for what we can do for Him. He redeemed us out of His pure mercy, grace, and love. He knew there was no way anyone could live a perfect life, so He sent His Son, Jesus to die as a sacrifice for our sins. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are forgiven of our sins and receive eternal life, if we accept Him as our Savior.

I was convicted because I frequently ask God, “What do you want me to do?” I think it’s easy for us, as Christ-followers, to want to do things, such as using our talents, serving others, and so on. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking the LORD what He wants for your life, because the LORD does have plans for His followers. But, what we miss out on when we are so busy is the relationship with the LORD. We forget to spend time in His Word, soak it in, meditate on it, and memorize it. We forget to “gaze upon the beauty of the LORD,” (Psalm 27:4, ESV). Lewis’s words remind us to “be still” and to remember God is God (Psalm 46:10).

I hope this short post reminds you to focus more on your relationship with God, rather than on what you can do for God. He rescued us and redeemed us because He loved us, not because He needed us to do something.