Over the next few weeks I am going to look at some famous idioms and the first, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is a strange concept to me. I had no idea who came up with this saying or where it came from but I started to wonder if I am the only one who disagrees with it.
So I did a little research and it turns out most psychologists actually do agree with it. But the best item I came across during my research was “absence makes the heart…wander.” This makes more sense to me than the original!
I think this is especially true in our relationship with God. Our hearts wander from Him as we spend less time with Him. Our hearts wander from Him as we spend less time in the word. And our hearts wander from Him as we spend less time in fellowship with other believers. Our hearts wander away from the Spirit and to the flesh in three very specific ways:
- We start wanting things of this world rather than what God desires for us.
- We start giving in to temptation rather than resisting Satan’s schemes.
- We grow discontent with what we don’t have rather than being grateful for what we do have.
If you are experiencing any of the three above you are probably wandering. Really it is our natural inclination to wander from God. Let’s face it – not many of us wakes up each day and says “I can’t wait to spend with our Savior.” I know I wish I was there but the reality is I am not.
I really think we tend to forget two critical, critical points:
- We so desperately need to spend time with God in order to grow closer to Him and lose our worldly desires – James 4:8 “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
- He wants to spend time with us – Revelations 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.” He is just waiting for us.
We need Him and He wants us. Do you ever think about this: The creator of the universe, the maker of all things, the One who created you desires to spend time with you! Make it a priority today. Talk with Him, share your deepest thoughts and concerns, pour out your heart to Him – You need it and He wants that.
Don’t wander.
In His Service,
Ed
D2D Ministries 
Kristi
November 3, 2011 at 11:51 PM
The title of this grabbed my attention right away because of how much time Denny and I have had to spend apart through the years (college, work, etc.) We absolutely have to work harder at staying connected when we are miles apart.
I love how you applied the same concept to our relationship with God. I know that many times I’ve ignored Him by being “too busy”. This is a great reminder for me that only by sitting quietly WITH God will I be able to continue growing closer. And it’s only when I have that intimate connection with Him that I can truly let His light shine through me.Thanks for sharing this!
Love your blog and the encouragement and support you are offering. Looking forward to reading more!
In His love~
Kristi
ps I have a blog too! Mine is more about my life, feelings, etc. Yet God is woven throughout it in many ways.
Ed Thomas
November 4, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Kristi – thank you for your comments! Love your blog! Great job!
Brett Cohrs
November 4, 2011 at 4:49 PM
I definitely feel that if I’m away from my family for more than a day or two, I really miss them. In that area, the saying makes sense.
Our relationship with God, sometimes, can be more like a discipline. If I’m working out a lot, I’ll miss it for the first few days if I can’t get to my routine, but then after a week or so, it gets so hard to reengage that discipline. With God, unfortunately, it happens more like that. I’ll be drawn and miss the fellowship for a couple days, then it’s like I have to work hard to get back into communion with HIm.