Looking and Finding Him Right Here
Have you ever looked for something that was right in front of you all the time? I could be wearing my glasses, and be looking for my glasses. I could be looking for my keys and they could be right on the counter in front of me. We could be looking for the rain to stop and miss the rainbow God sent.
We could be taken with the brilliance of the star and miss the baby in the manger. We could be focused on many details that miss the ONE that is the guest of honor. Remember Martha in the Bible who was so busy with the details of entertaining, making sure the meal was fit for a king, that she missed the opportunity to sit at the feet of THE KING.
And, even more so, we could be missing God when He dwells right here inside us. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
He could be pointing out all kinds of wonders and miracles, but we are so busy that we miss His signals. This Christmas, we’ve heard and sung many songs and read many scriptures about Him being with us. We’ve been aware of His presence, but still didn’t SEE Him.
What if we REALLY tuned into Emmanuel, God with us? I saw Him many times this Christmas season. We had three family celebrations. I recognized Him in our family’s eyes, their laughter and their expressions of gratitude.
We attended two different Christmas Eve services on Sunday. We saw and heard Him in expressions of worship and words of peace and joy. I couldn’t resist taking a photo of this precious child sitting next to us. She was very intentional with her candle. She may be young, but perhaps she is already grasping God with her.
God is with us. Like someone being a passenger in my car or as a guest at my dinner table, I can communicate with Him about this and that and everything else.
We can thank Him for the “favors” that come our way – like that green light holding for us to make it through or the parking place that is really close to the doors of the store. And, those bargains I find at the store – I like to thank Emmanuel, God with me Who nudged me to that store.
I might sound “far out”, but really I am “far into” knowing Emmanuel – God with me 24/7. So shouldn’t I be acknowledging Him throughout my day? I know He is with me, so I’m sensitive to wanting to please Him.
And I’ve found that, because I stay close to Him during my days, when the times of unexpected challenges come, I remember, I am not facing anything alone, because God is with me…..and I feel His peace right away. I know He will bring about what’s best for me. I urge you to KNOW Him – to know Emmanuel – He is with me – He is God WITH you!