I was new in town and new to this church. I decided to join a ladies Bible study group that met on Tuesday nights. One of the questions asked at the get acquainted session was, “Why did you join this group and what do you hope to get out of these sessions?” Hmmm…I knew I should probably give a spiritual-sounding response. After all, I am a seminary graduate. Something like, “I want to develop a closer and deeper walk with Jesus.” Yes, that would do.  While it was a true statement, it wasn’t an accurate description of why I had joined the group. To be honest, the reason I joined the group was for fellowship. I was lonely and wanted to get to know some of the ladies of the church. I wanted relationship. Yes, I wanted to develop a closer and deeper relationship with Jesus, but I wanted to do it in relationship with other believers. And I did.

Relationship – that’s what all of us are searching for, whether we know it or not. We are longing deeply for not only that human connection, but for that Someone who knows us intimately…and loves us anyway. O the sweet joy of being known by the Father and being loved by Him — the wonder of being in relationship with Him. The words of Jeremiah in chapter 31 echo in my heart “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” The sweet joy of relationship with Him – there is none other as sweet.