"Crowded Out"

I have a piece of scrap paper in my car with the words, "crowded out," scribbled accross it. I originally jotted the note down to keep from forgetting that I want to explore the idea in an upcoming class about spirituality that I intend to teach this Spring. Needless to say, I don't need the note any more, but I'm leaving it there anyway. Getting in and out of the car for days, I've had the idea running through my mind almost like an obsession. We all want to have a personal relationship with the Father. We want it to be more than just accepting intellectual facts that we've learned. We want an intimate relationship with God; to feel his presence, and see the effects of his work in our lives.

Why don't we have it? Well, let me just say, it isn't God's fault! He wants intimacy with us more than we want it with him. He's willing. Also, I suppose I should say that some of us experience God's presence in our lives more than others. Why? Could it be that you've crowded God out to some degree or another? Too much work, too much play, games, clubs, hobbies, TV, internet, appointments, too tired, not enough time, bla, bla, bla. You get the idea. The culture around us never sleeps. It's a 24/7 on the go society. The default state of our existence is to dive in and go with the current. At some point, if you want to be close to God, you have to unplug, and be devoted to him. It's not too late to make a resolution about it. For you all at Highland, we'll pick this thread up in the Spring, Lord willing.