A Resolution for the New Year
I resolve to look for the presence of God in every situation and on every occasion.
Of course, I expect to encounter God in church (especially at New World Church!). I expect to encounter God through my favorite preachers and Bible teachers. I suspect that it’ll be pretty easy to discern the presence of God in prayer vigils and Bible classes. I thank God for giving us “places” where we can consistently and reliably meet Him and experience His empowering and life-giving presence. I thank God for the grace that allows us to have special places and special gatherings where He continuously shows up.
I am reminded, however, that God is everywhere (“omnipresent” is the word that Biblical scholars use). I recall the experience of Isaiah as recorded in chapter 6 of the book that bears his name, where he discovers that “the whole earth if full of the glory of God”! Paul quoted and affirmed the words of the poets of his day, “in God we live, move, and exist” (Acts 17:28). God is everywhere, even in the places, people, and gatherings that appear to be the very opposite of the God we’ve come to know, love, and worship.
So, my project for this year, and really for the rest of my life, is to look for signs of God’s presence in every place and in every situation. I know that sometimes I’ll find it difficult to discern him because of my own limitations, fears, and prejudices. Yet, I know He’s there – in even the ugliest, darkest of places.
I’ll look, watch, and wait. If I get a glimpse of the glory, I’ll embrace it, celebrate it, and pray for the grace to become a vehicle for its expression and magnification!
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2 comments:
As I read your blog,I fell into mediation. I thought to myself "how profound" I told God I wanted to be "true". This may sound elementary to some, but to me I offer all that I have (myself). I ask GOD to allow me, show me, and teach me how to live this year in order for his light to shine through me. Not through my words but through my actions. I was and am afraid to say "use me", that's when trouble starts. However, we as christians should "fear not". My request is small, but great. Life on a daily basis delivers some strong and might trials and tribulations.
Seek and you shall find. What a positive outlook to examine the Lord's presence in every situation. I use this in my marriage, and I am reminded by my children everyday that the Lord is present. But it is very positive to seek his presence in every situation. The Lord knows we need a resolution for our lives!
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