Monday, September 14, 2009
God in the Everyday
Sarah Jennings, Crosswalk.com Family Editor
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20
Have you ever gone through a spiritual dry spell? A time when you just couldn't feel God's presence and life took on a flat, mundane hue? I've experienced many times like this… times where heaven seems distant and spiritual highs are out of reach.
During a recent dry spell, I learned to look for God not so much in the heavens but here on earth. Here's an overview of some of my "God experiences" in the past month:
Lunch with a homeless man. While walking to lunch a few weeks ago, an old homeless man caught my eye. He smiled, and asked if I had money to spare so he could get something to eat. So, I summoned up some courage and walked several blocks with him to the nearest Subway. As we walked, he asked me if I knew the Lord, and we had a wonderful conversation about faith in Jesus. After he had his lunch, he hugged me and said, "God bless you." That day, instead of just reading scripture, I had the opportunity to experience the meaning of Jesus' words when he said, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… " (Matthew 24:35).
Birth of my nephew. Two weeks ago, my twin sister gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Even though this is her third, Forrest's birth really drove home to me that the miracle of new life is just as amazing each and every time. Not only is he a soul unique from every other soul, but watching my sister and her husband gaze down at him, one can't help but reflect on the love God our Father must have for us. Holding a newborn brings alive Scriptures like, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15)
Study of the human body. As an English major turned editor and writer, it's been a long time since I've had the opportunity to study science. So, to expand my horizons a bit, I signed up for a college course in anatomy and physiology this semester. I am so glad I did! Amid the piles of homework and daunting vocabulary terms such as "sagittal plane" and "mediastinum," I cannot help but feel awe for the incredible design of the human body. Learning about the artfulness and care, as well as the precision and practicality, that went into our creation brings new understanding to Psalms 139:13-16: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made... "
We may not always experience intense spiritual highs or theological epiphanies, but thankfully we can still experience God and his love in the world around us. I've heard the saying, "God meets you where you're at" more times than I can count - and it's true. He is always looking for ways to make his presence known in your world.
Intersecting Faith & Life: Where can you find God today?
Further Reading
Psalms 139: 7 - 12