Amazed - greatly surprised; astonished
I'm not sure why I'm always amazed when God "shows up"....as if he's not present all the time. Maybe the surprise is that I see it and feel it so deeply at times and not so much at other times.
This is where relationship comes in. If I'm always waiting for the a-ha moments I'm simply not resting in the shadow of the Almighty. That's what a relationship with Jesus is. If every time I saw my mom I expected a gift I'd be disappointed. If every time I saw her we had great conversation and spent time together, that's relationship. Even when I'm not in her physical presence there is a relationship. For those who have or have had tumultuous relationships with their parents (I've certainly had my share) I apologize...it is the closest earthly example I can think of.
God is always working! Sometimes we don't know what he's doing. We don't see the bigger picture. But a relationship with him assures us that he is there ALL.THE.TIME! We don't have to doubt EVER. This is exactly why a close personal walk is important....no.... ESSENTIAL. So that I continually am aware of his presence.
Seeing a beautiful sunrise or a starry sky or a miraculous healing or mended relationships or a squirrel or the birds of the air are conformation of a Sovereign God. Those are physical. We SEE them.
But what about the really hard stuff...the stuff that doesn't make sense.....does that mean that God is not present, that he simply doesn't care? For me, one who has surrendered to Jesus I know that he is, in fact, still there. How do I know? Because I have a relationship with him. Not just in the good times, not just when I can physically see it, not just when I get what I want or what I ask for...but in the really hard times. In the unexpected losses, the heartbreaking, incomprehensible circumstances....the dark places that literally tear at one's soul. Yes he is there. He promises to never leave me nor forsake me EVER. When all in this earthly life passes away, those that I love, my health...you name it.... Jesus will be standing with arms wide open.
This verse is so precious:
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
Revelation 3:20
He's right there all.the.time! Not just on an "as needed" basis. We don't just interact with our parents or children when we need something! They are not the license bureau that you visit once a year for a license sticker!
God is available 24/7.... #1 - because he is and #2 - because he desires to have a relationship with you!
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8
"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
James 4:3
Do I only seek him when I want something? How about asking for relief when the pressure of life is more than I can handle? When a loved one is sick? Truth be told...he already knows. He knows exactly what I need, when I need it, how to deliver it AND he knows if I will choose to hear him or if I'll choose not too.
"......for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1Samuel 16:7
He knows my heart! He created me in his likeness! He WANTS a relationship with me! I am his child! He is my daddy!
I follow a scripture writing plan each month. These are the verses for today--Thanksgiving 2021. How appropriate is the reminder of what he did for me and for all.
I am thankful for the life he's provided for me. My family, my children and wonderful godly women....ALL who hold me up. I am thankful that he does not waste my sorrows. That he uses everything to create in me a heart like his.
On this Thanksgiving Day 2021 it is my prayer that you know my Jesus. Have a blessed day.

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