“Thus says the LORD:
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
"In the Lord's kingdom there are those who are external, those who are more interior, and those who are internal. Good spirits who dwell in the first heaven are external, angelic spirits who dwell in the second heaven are more interior, and angels who dwell in the third heaven are internal. Those who are external are not as close to or near the Lord as those who are more interior, and these in turn are not so close or near as those who are internal. Out of Divine love, or mercy, the Lord wills to have everyone near to Himself, so that they do not stand outside, that is, in the first heaven. His will is that they should dwell in the third heaven, and if possible not merely with Him but abiding in Him. Such is the nature of Divine or the Lord's love." (SH 1799 {2})
It is so clear from these passages that the Lord desires to be one with His people. I often feel at a distance from Him, prevented from coming closer by my own preoccupations and distractions. It changes how I view my internal landscape when I call to mind that He wills me to be present with Him. Acknowledging this, I feel motivated to cast aside what is between us at any moment and seek His face. Is there anything better to do with my life?