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My relationship with God

Writer's picture: Ibiyemi BalogunIbiyemi Balogun

My relationship with God is so multifaceted and I wanted to break it down. I think that as Christians we hear so often, it's not about religion it's about relationship, but what does that truly mean?


Here's my attempt at understanding what my relationship with God is like.


He is my friend - Proverbs 18:24

He is my father - Matthew 6: 9-13

He is my saviour - John 3:16

He is my lord - Deuteronomy 6:4-5

He is my comfort - John 14-26

He is my business partner - Proverbs 16:3

He is my coach - James 1: 5-8


What does it mean to be a friend?

It means being there for the good and the bad, it means quality time, checking in, inconvenience, choice aka you're choosing to love this person. It means sitting on the phone with them, it means spending time validating them, checking on their outfits, remembering their stories, and calling them out on their missteps. It means riding or dying and being a confidant and having fun. It means, being vulnerable to share your shortcomings and where you need help. It means asking for help when you're sick and need a friend. It's a safe place for your mental health and your crazy thoughts. It's safe and sound....and God said that he is a friend that sticks closer than a brother which is truthfully so beautiful.


What does it mean to be a father?

He provides, he protects, he guides, he establishes identity, my literal name is my father's name, he sets the tone for the family. He covers the brunt of the work for the family. He is affectionate, he listens to the needs of his kids and provides a safe place to live, pays the bills and nurtures the family. Teaches lessons and provides guidance, investments, and financial stability


What does it mean to be a savior?

He is like a superhero, he saves in times of need and when things are dangerous. He rides in with armour like a knight and he fights off the demons and kills the dragons that are trying to attack, he stands in the gap of pain and fear and he carries it on his back. He saves me from myself, kind of like a mom watching a toddler who is doing everything in his power to hurt himself, his mom or dad have to step in to save him from himself. He saves me from embarrassment and shame by establishing me as safe. You don't feel embarrassed when you make a mistake if you're with someone who loves you, who isn't critical and who doesn't condemn you.


What does it mean to be a lord?

He is sovereign, he is a king, he sits above me in heaven and controls the kingdoms and governments of this world. Truthfully with my African context and the lack of successful leaders, it's hard to connect with the lordship or authority of God. I know he is authority and I have to obey him, I can't dismiss his judgment or quiet the voice in my head that convicts, I have to give in to who he is for myself. But I'm working on it. Basically trying to change my perspective. God is not just lord because he sits outside of time and can dictate from heaven but because he sits outside of time and he wants the best for you, he truly is the best person to lead your life. It's actually in your best interest to let him take the wheel on that.


What does it mean to be a comfort to someone?

He soothes! Simply put, he soothes my pain, he wipes my tears, he listens to my needs and he pays attention. The Bible says the lord is close to the brokenhearted. He restores all the things that have been stolen. He makes it all better again. He makes me new again. When I've been beaten down by the world, the opinions, the economy, the rejection, I know I have a safe place to receive comfort so that I can try again.


What does it mean to be a business partner?

He is a sounding board, someone that can make decisions on behalf of the company. A business partner can determine strategy, can hire people to help the vision, can execute on bringing in deals and is just as invested in the business as you are, almost like a co-founder. He is very interested in the work of my hands and building my character and my integrity in the process. He doesn't want to be left out of the boardroom and he doesn't want to be micromanaged into doing just what i want to do. He doesn't want to see this company fail miserably and he doesn't want to see this company get so big so quickly that we are not able to fulfil the orders. He is very mindful of the timing of things.


What does it mean to be a coach?

Firstly there are many different types of coaches, career coaches, business coaches, fitness coaches, sales coaches, mindset coaches, imposter syndrome coaches and he is all of them. God cares about my body, mind, soul, and spirit. He wants me to live in a healthy life so he creates parameters and boundaries for me to sustain that healthy lifestyle. He doesn't want me to just eat anything, allow anything, get involved with anything, sleep with anyone that will derail me from my plans for my body. He cares about my mind and wants me to watch what I listen to, read, and experience as those things can seep into my heart and create idols, or wrong perceptions. He is truly looking out for me. He wants me to take care of my mental health, he wants to unearth and heal the traumas that hold me back. He wants to correct the lies that consume my mind, lies about what I deserve in a future husband, lies that I will be rejected forever, lies that are quite literally so dumb but seep into my spirit. He wants me to build my ability to hear from him directly by building up my spirit and I'm genuinely so grateful to be counted amongst the people he loves so dearly that he would come after me.


To be fair, God is bae, he fulfils so many roles that are typically filled by my friends, family, coworkers, coaches, media, and everything in between. If I could just remember to go to him first instead of ALL these other people and things, what a life that could be!


Thank you lord for sharing with me what my personal relationship with you is like. I can't wait to walk this out with you by my side. #TilltheWheelsFallOff



Ibiyemi



















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