"You have formed us for yourself, 

   and our hearts are restless till they find rest in you."    

   
   That was Augustine, referring to Scripture about God creating us for his own pleasure. He provided a way that He and we can enjoy each other, as He and Adam did for a time.          

          Our Pursuit of His Presence

   Due to Eve's disobedience, then Adam's and all the rest of us, the intended relationship became impossible. God could have destroyed his creation right there in Eden. It is only by his grace that we even exist.

   In our ignorance we cut the life cord. But God chose to restore those willing to believe. He alone could and did redeem us, dealing with our sins. When Christ finished his work, the veil between us opened, providing reconciliation, the possibility of his presence.

   A.W. Tozer wrote that God's presence burns away our impurities. Funny, but during my former struggle with God, I used the word burn while begging him to destroy the garbage within me. And that work continues.  

   

You have set our iniquities before you, 

our secret sins in the light of your presence.

Ps. 90:1

Tomorrow: He uses fire