Romans 1:18-1:32 is a sad commentary on a people who reject the grace of God. It chronicles the descent into the depths of wickedness. One thing I noticed is that man always takes the first step:
We suppress the truth in unrighteousness, and God reveals His wrath (v. 18)
We did not glorify Him as God or thank Him, and our thoughts became vain and our hearts darkened (v. 21)
We exchange the glory of God, then He gives us up to uncleanness (v. 23-24)
We do not retain God in our knowledge, and He gives us over to a debased mind (v. 28)
As I thought on this, the pattern seemed clear – we give God up and then He gives us up. His action is a response to ours. I wondered…..is this true in the reverse? And then I remembered these verses:
“I love those who love me and those who seek me diligently will find me.” Proverbs 8:17
“Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.” James 4:8
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
“Call to me and I will answer you….” Jeremiah 33:3
What an encouragement this is to me. My prayers are not just haphazardly hurled into the heavens. My worship is not merely the expression of my love and dependence on Him. But these things are a reaching up for a divine response.
Melody, when I read your comment I thought about a little child reaching up to be picked up by it’s parent. What parent can resist the child who desires to be so near to them? When I think that our heavenly Father also responds to our desire to be near Him!! What a wonderful God we serve!
Writeathome, Thanks for stopping by. Sometimes I think about where I would be if He hadn’t reached down and saved me. It’s not a pleasant thought. But it does keep me grateful that He did reach down and that He continues to reach down.
He is my Delight 
We reach up and “He reaches down…” Such beautiful imagery. Praise Him for His steadfast love.
Beautiful post. Where would any of us be if it were not for Him reaching down?!
Melody, when I read your comment I thought about a little child reaching up to be picked up by it’s parent. What parent can resist the child who desires to be so near to them? When I think that our heavenly Father also responds to our desire to be near Him!! What a wonderful God we serve!
Writeathome, Thanks for stopping by. Sometimes I think about where I would be if He hadn’t reached down and saved me. It’s not a pleasant thought. But it does keep me grateful that He did reach down and that He continues to reach down.