June 22, 2025 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

How do you approach God? I know the answer to this is a deeply personal journey, and people across cultures and faiths have found many meaningful ways to do it. As a Christian I approach God in all honesty and humility through prayer, worship, reading the Bible and meditating on it. Other faiths outside of Christianity worship Allah, approach Him through daily prayers (salat), fasting, charity, and reading the Quran. Another approach God through prayer, study of the Torah, and observance of commandments.  There are still some others but this I learned … “The wrong way to approach God is by our own good works; the right way to approach God is as an unworthy sinner, pleading for mercy.” (Bible.org) 

If we read today’s Scripture text in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 we are cautioned against careless worship, rash promises, and excessive words, emphasizing that God is in heaven and we are on earth, so our words should be few.  We should approach God thoughtfully, not casually. I must admit that it has always been a struggle for me to be truly sincere, humble and intentional in my relationship with God—not just going through the motions or speaking without thought. But allowing God’s Word speak to me before I speak to Him encourages a heartfelt communication and sets the tone for a two-way relationship, not just a monologue. 

And then honoring God with our commitments: If you (and I) feel led to make a promise—whether to serve, give, or change something in your/my life—we must treat it with seriousness. Follow through on our promises. 

Ultimately, it’s not about perfection—it’s about authenticity and relationship. And like any relationship, the more genuine we are, the richer the relationship becomes.