"Well, you know all relationships eventually have to leave the honeymoon phase..."
"I just miss how it was in the beginning."
"But you still love Him right?"
"Of course I do! I love Him more than I've ever loved anyone else. We were made for each other. Do you ever just go through ups and downs though?"
"All the time. I mean, the high points are amazing! Like, I can feel the love in my chest and I just feel safe with Him. But I'm not going to lie, naturally there are low points where sometimes I just feel more alone and almost as if something in the relationship is wrong. But every relationship goes through that. Does it change how much I love Him? Not one bit!"
(Did you catch the capital "H"?)
Yes, I am talking about your relationship with God. Because as you can see, it is just as much a relationship as any one you could encounter with another person. With that being said, we should be treating our relationship with God as any person would approach a romantic relationship. How much more deep and intimate could a union be? So it may not always be easy -- and, yes, it's going to take some work -- but the sooner you begin practicing these five essential relationship components, the closer you are to having a stronger, healthier relationship with a partner who will never disappoint you.
1. Making time for one another.
No relationship can exist unless those involved are taking an active role. At the end of the day, God is not the one withholding His constant, undying and unconditional love. It's us. I would be naive to wonder why my relationship might be lacking when it's me who is not putting in the time and effort. To have a healthy relationship with the Lord, it is vital to set aside time to simply be with one another.
2. Communication is key.
No relationship can thrive without communicating. Prayer does not have to be a time for formal rehearsed lines. Instead, I enjoy talking to God as my closest friend, my best friend (like a relationship). Whether it's giving thanks, asking questions, communicating concerns, or simply thinking/saying a line of love, I need to communicate with the Lord. All He wants is to have an active relationship with me, and that means talking. Because what relationship would last without communication?
3. Enduring the hard times -- together.
Just like a relationship, not everything will always be peachy. Things are going to come up and it might take a toll on your relationship. You might not even be totally happy with one another. I might disappoint Him or maybe I have a hard time understanding His plan for me at that moment. But you don't give up! He forgives me and I do the same. And through it all, we never stop loving each other.
4. The big three: trust, honesty and loyalty.
Generations after generations have been told trust, honesty and loyalty are some of the most important ingredients for success when it comes to relationships. He trusts in me to do what is right and act with nothing but love. I trust Him with everything -- my future, my faith, my uncertainties. I accept He is always honest with me and I must always be honest with Him (even when I fear I may have disappointed Him). And at the end of the day, we are both loyal to one another and the relationship He and I have built.
5. Unconditional love.
We take for granted so easily how lucky we are to be in a relationship with someone who loves us completely unconditionally. Where else are you given that from the start? To have a thriving relationship with the Lord, that love needs to be returned and expressed. This is what a relationship is built upon and it is the very reason we even make an effort to accomplish the previous four items listed above. So, actively love He who would do anything for you, He who is craving your love. Love the only one who can promise you a life of endless, outpouring and undying love. It is a decision you will never regret.
