Drifting Away From God

"When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men." So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." - Luke 15:17-20 (NIV). 

I love going outside on a clear night and looking through my telescope at the beautiful planets, and out beyond into the endless creation that our wonderful Creator has designed. Knowing that the things we can view through telescopes and the vast distances to the stars are just a small, minute part of His wonderful creation puts things into perspective. It shows us just how little we really are --compared to Him and his awesome power, wisdom, and might.


When we view these far-away stars and galaxies over the millions of miles, we realize that God is right there, and, at the same time, He is here in our hearts. He is everywhere in His creation. We can't fully understand how that's possible, but we will someday.


Even though God is able to be everywhere at the same time, we can drift away from Him and not even realize it. We can completely separate ourselves from Him.


Yet, if we've been drifting away for years and years, once we turn back, it doesn't take years and years to get back to Him. He's there, waiting with open arms to accept us back. He forgets all the hurt we've done to Him. He completely forgives us for everything.


The prodigal, or lost son, who had gone away, had lost contact with his father and had lost everything his father had given him. He finally came to his senses and realized how much he needed his father, so he started back home.


But it didn't take him long to reach his father. His father came running out to him with open arms and met him before he reached home, and hugged him, and forgave him.


That's how God is. When He sees us turn around, He runs out to meet us. His speed is limitless. He's there instantly to meet us, to hug us, and to forgive us for whatever we've done. What a wonderful God we serve!