When you can’t find God
Sometimes I can’t find God…
I know He is there, but I can’t see Him, I can’t feel Him and I certainly can’t hear Him. When you can’t find God, remember He never leaves. For the most part I know why He seems far away, I just don’t always know what to do about it.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Sitting in the restaurant lobby waiting for a table, I watched a chubby cheeked little boy lost in play. His dad balanced a baby girl on his knee while he played checkers with an older brother. Without obvious provocation, the boy’s head snapped up and his brown eyes darted back and forth. Alarm apparent in his expression, he cupped his hands to his mouth, drew in a big breath and frantically yelled,
DADDY! Where are you?
His dad never moved; he sat less than three feet away. The boy lost track of his father because he was distracted by his activities. Me too. I get busy and reality gets blurred. I can’t find God. The father answered,
I’m right here.
VALLEYS
I wish mountaintop experiences would last, but they don’t. Without valleys and mountaintops, the world would be flat. Life would be flat too and I guess ultimately, I’m glad it isn’t.
MOUNTAINS
One morning in late winter, my daughter informed me I needed to be ready by 6:15 a.m. I knew her plans were special; teenagers never even see that hour. Wearing a heavy jacket to block the chill, she backed out of the driveway. As the car snaked around steep hairpin turns, I realized the destination she planned. She had carefully calculated drive time and sunrise time but was disappointed by the inky night sky visible from our perch at Sunset Point. I gently suggested we turn around and drive east, to Sunrise Point. The sky soon began to glow, but the sun was obscured by dense clouds. I knew it was there though it was hidden. The brightening world provided evidence of the light.
Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” NIV
The view from the mountain is worth the climb.
I KNOW WHAT I NEED
Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” KJV
Romans 1:20, “For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” HCSB
John 17:17, “Sanctify them in your truth, Your word is truth” WEB
Psalm 29:2, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” ESV
Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” NIV
Ephesians 6:18, “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” HCSB
Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” NASB
Psalm 63:1, “God-you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.” MSG
Psalm 102:18, “Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him.” GNB
MAGIC FORMULA
There is no formula to find God, trust me I’ve tried. In different seasons, I have found Him in different ways. Sometimes it took a long time. When I am totally lost, I keep searching because I know He’s there. He is believably evident, and I remember. Remembering is important, that is why I write, I journal, I record His faithfulness. So, I can remember.
I write to remember.
1 Samuel 12:24, “Obey the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you.” GNB
RELENTLESS
In the movie Finding Nemo, Dory tries to help Marlin find his son, but can never remember where she is going so, she repeats the address over and over.
P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney.” I remembered it. I bet I could even remember it again…”P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney.” I did it again.
I’ve done that before too. I have repeated the names of God or the characteristics of God over and over. It helps me remember where I am going.
God is relentless in His pursuit of us. Will we be relentless in our pursuit of Him? Look for Him even when you don’t feel like it. No, look for Him especially when you don’t feel like it.
And sometimes when you can’t find God, you just have to trust him in the dark.
I don’t know where you are, but I know where God is. I’ll see you later, I am heading for the mountain!
on this day, this is exactly what I needed to hear. Praise God, that he is there for me. Love you so much.
I always assume I am not alone. Love you too
You are, and continue to be such an inspiration. Your gift is without question anointed. You are ministering to countless people with the gift God has given to you. You might not realize that when the inspiration to write comes to you. But His anointed words need to speak to someone’s heart, and He wants to accomplish this through your writing. God bless you for your obedience and love for Him and for all of us who are blessed by you.
I am humbled and honored by your words. Grateful for opportunities to share
Thank you for another blessing Vickie.
Thank you for always encouraging me, it really means a lot
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. You and Dory are an inspiratuon! 😉
That song makes me smile
I find that Christ has given me more than my share of mountain top experiences not that I don’t want more But at other times He wants me to live by faith alone Over my many years I have learned to Know that He is there even when I feel desperate to hear from Him and He remains silent I read in the scripture that those times the silent times strengthen us make us stronger. The great saints all had those times and wrote about them. I will never leave you or forsake you Hard to go thru but necessary for the journey ☦️
Yes, yes. Every word of this. Thank you!
Thanks so much Vickie. I think it’s time for another trip to RI. 👍🏼
Definitely!