The God You Are Reaching For

I sit at the computer staring at a blank page. Where to start? There is so much.

I've had deep challenges. Personal. Hard. The kind that stretch your faith and drop you quickly to your knees, begging for strength you don't possess. For a kind of godliness that can only be formed within through the Spirit.

I've had deep blessings. Fun. Joy. Belly laughs with people I love and care for. Special memories and rich, meaningful conversations interspersed between hikes, swims and general tomfoolery. I see the Spirit weaving through it all.

I can't help but think, isn't that life? The dips and turns, the joy and sorrow, often arriving closer together than we expect.

And how do you hold it all in your hands -- the joy and the woundings, mingled together like watercolors on a page? How do you invite Jesus into the very center of it all?

I think, friends, it begins by acknowledging God's faithful presence in both the darkness and the light.

I think on the days I spent on my knees, praying and crying out. Of how faithful the Lord was to me. How when I wanted to cry, He wooed me to worship. And oh, how that time of worship reverberated in my head and heart throughout the rest of what I had to walk through. My anxiety and fear would melt away as the melodies imprinted on my soul reminded me of what was true: God has me. Always. No exceptions. I am loved and I am safe. Therefore, I do not need to fear.

I think of the joy and how much I felt and saw the Lord's Presence. "Every good and perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). The laughter, the joy on my grandchildren's faces, the shared experiences that bind hearts and grow agape* love are such a gift! For I had also spent time on my knees, asking God to create such opportunities. He answered so faithfully! He always does (though not always in the ways I expect).

Which, of course, makes me think on the conversations. Some of the clearest places I saw God's presence were in the conversations we shared. Some were planned, but most were not. Whether they were hard or meaningful or simply a chance to connect more deeply, rich conversations are sacred space.

The Lord tells us in James 1:19, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." And again in Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

The blessings that come from choosing to listen actively and use words that build into others (versus tear down) cannot be overstated. So when this happens, since as a flawed human being it doesn't always, I can so clearly see the Lord's hand at work.

God in the suffering.

God in the pain.

God in the joy.

God in the laughter.

God in everything in between.

Maybe simply remembering His Presence is all you and I need today. And every day. No matter what we are walking through, He is right there. Beside us, holding our hands and faithfully guiding the way.

Today, let that be enough.

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

It is easy for us in our humanness to fix our eyes firmly on our circumstances versus firmly on the One who guides us through it all. Trust and peace are gifts the Father longs to bestow on us. Our job is to slow down enough to reach out for those gifts through prayer, the Word, and through worship, singing out loud before Him.

Make space for God. Not just token space, but meaningful interactions. Look for how He is moving in your life. Acknowledge and thank Him for it. Don't forget in the busyness of life to see the working of His mighty right hand.

We miss what we don't take the time to look for. Make that time.

This week, consider spending time in Psalm 63. There are so many rich verses there no matter what season you find yourself in. Spend some time meditating on verses 7-8: "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."

As you make space to seek Him, may you discover that the God you are reaching for has been holding you all along.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for Your faithfulness to me. Knowing I can count on you no matter what the day brings is such a gift. Today, remind me to reach for Your Presence. Help me make the space I need to see Your sweet face. Thank You especially for never giving up on me. Such a priceless gift! In Jesus' name, Amen.

ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY

Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director and Editor for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Lebanon, Ohio.

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