Where is God?

In our last article, we noted that the Magi found Jesus because they sought Him. Signs were there, indications were there, scriptures were there, but only few have found Him because they sought Him. Even in Luke 2:25-33, Simeon who was seeking God's will for Israel at the time, was told that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. 

It does no good to celebrate Christmas, if we miss an important parallel of this story to our own hearts. Our hearts were intended by God to be His temple - His House. Unfortunately, we fill our lives with other things, inviting other ideas, interests, values, loves, and commitments.Our lives and minds are so full that we’re not even aware when God shows up. When things go awry, we shout "Where is God in all this?"  While God stands quietly beside us and we don't even see Him. God shows up in our lives all the time, providing opportunities we never thought we’d get, in the midst of problems we didn't know we were going to have. Even when Jesus was alive, this happened. Jesus would show up and talk to people who never realized who he was. In the book of John, Jesus was sitting by a well when a woman came up to him, looking for water. She didn't recognize Jesus. In fact she got in a religious debate with the Son of God! Then Jesus said, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water" (John 4:10). But she didn't recognize Jesus. And as you read these words, there are many people, perhaps even yourself going about your daily routines, wondering why God isn't speaking with you, visiting with you, or showing up in your life.  Yet no one notices Him standing right beside you, stating that He has been there all along. God is at work all around you — not just during holidays but throughout the whole year.

• Why do you think we miss God even when people seem more open to him than any other time?
• How have you seen God at work this week? or, have you even been looking?
• What change can you make in your routine that’ll help you see God more clearly?

My prayer for you, is that you will begin to see God more clearly in the coming year. 

Happy Holidays!       

Jim