Devotionals for the Heart: God wants more time with you

More of You
A devotional by Angela Anderson

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3 (NIV)

As I was walking to my car after church one afternoon, I heard a voice calling my name in the distance. I stopped, turned around and noticed a friend of mine waving wildly, while she was running toward me. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

I had not seen this friend in over a year. She had moved far away, and I had no idea that she would be in church that day. I was so happy to see her!

As soon as she was within arm’s reach, we embraced. We were once so close. We used to talk all the time. When she moved away, life happened, and then we lost contact for a while. We did not talk as often, and we allowed our life circumstances to occupy our time. As we talked in the middle of the parking lot, we made up for lost time. We spent over an hour catching up, laughing, and being really open about the things that had transpired in our separate lives over the past year. Before we said goodbye that afternoon, she looked at me and revealed to me how much she missed me as a friend. She told me that she needed more of me.

I often wonder if God feels the same way about me. There are times when I am so open with Him. I wake up early in the morning to meet Him in my quiet place. I spend long periods of time in His presence. Whether I am writing in my prayer journal, speaking out loud to Him, listening to a song and worshipping Him, or just sitting in silence; the feeling of being so close to Him is indescribable. I feel at peace in the moment, and the calmness follows me as I begin my day. There is a strange sense of confidence and assurance that whatever comes my way, I know that I will be able to handle it because God is with me.

Then there are the times when I wake up late, and I rush off, going about my day with merely uttering a few words to God. Or the times when my 3-year-old son has difficulty sleeping through the night and finds himself in my room, which throws off my morning. There are also instances when I try to sit in silence to commune with God, but my mind will not allow it.

Random thoughts race through my brain, clogging it with things that should never take precedence over my devotion time with God. These are the times when I can almost hear God telling me how much He misses me. Our time together is invaluable. I need that time with Him in order to survive, and I feel the difference in my life when that time is not consistently spent in His presence.

God doesn’t just want more of us; He wants us to want more of Him. Let’s make the commitment to consistently seek His face, every day of our lives.

Let’s Pray: Dear God, thank You for pursuing us and wanting to give us what we need – You. Help us to have that longing in our hearts to want You and to know You. May we take the necessary steps to deepen our relationship with You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Angela’s devotional message today reminds me of this song “More of You” by Colton Dixon. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Angela Anderson was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in a Christian home in New Jersey. Angela dedicated her life to Christ and was baptized at the age of 12. 

As a child in elementary school, she developed a penchant for writing book reports and entering writing contests. By high school, she was taking advanced placement courses in English and Speech & Creative Writing. Angela’s love for journaling also had its beginnings in high school and it evolved into prayers journals and detailed notes for prospective book ideas. As a result, Angela is the author of a published 40-day devotional book titled Just When I Thought I Knew God. She also wrote a children’s book that is not yet published.

Although Angela wanted to somehow incorporate writing in her life, she is currently a Certified Human Resources Professional. Angela graduated from Rutgers University in NJ with a double bachelor’s degree in Labor/Employment Relations & Sociology. She also has an MBA from Strayer University.

Angela founded a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization called Head to the Sky, Inc. It was formed in order to assist those in prison with their transition into society and to reduce the rate of recidivism in the community. During this venture, Angela received a certification in grant writing from The Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at Rollins College. Angela was very passionate about teaching, training, and sharing the love of Christ in this ministry; but she had to refocus her passion when she and her husband decided to start their family.

Angela has been married to the love of her life, Duane Anderson for 16 years. Together they have two sons: Thomas (age 8) and Ryan (age 3). Angela’s favorite pastime is journaling and she also enjoys spending quality time with her family. Her personal mission is to empower others to achieve their goals and dreams.

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Connect with Angela:
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/angela.thomasanderson
Facebook fan page for her devotional book, Just When I Thought I Knew God:
https://www.facebook.com/jwitikg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelanderson1104/