Where are You now? Have you ever made a fist and looked up to the sky and asked God this question? Have you ever prayed fervently for something in particular and thought your prayers were being answered only to have the rug pulled out from under you shortly thereafter? Lord knows I have.
Just recently I was “teased.” I imagined my prayer was being answered and I was overjoyed. Unfortunately, just several hours later I was socked in the gut! I was met with a wall of resistance I would never have imagined. Surprisingly for me, I remained peaceful; I wasn’t “shaken by the storm.” I realized in that instance that God was at work in my life. He was in control, just not as I had thought.
I laugh to myself sometimes when I think about how God works. I’m reminded of something Oprah said many years ago about being careful what you pray for. She said something like: God doesn’t just shower down the virtues we pray for, He gives us situations that help those virtues increase in our lives (I’m paraphrasing of course). So when I pray for patience and humility, etc……………..you mean He’s not going to wave his magic wand? Apparently not. I’m learning that firsthand.
One thing I will say – It’s an awesome feeling to recognize how God is working in my life – not just in the BIG moments but in the small moments too. What a blessing it is for me to be attuned to His loving gaze each and every moment of the day. It makes my heart leap with joy!
Today, as part of my Advent meditations, I reflected on Luke 1:48: “He has regarded the lowly estate of His handmaiden.” In considering that verse with Psalm 22 it became clear to me that when we turn our gaze to God in humility, He returns the gaze. It’s that simple! If we have to ask: where are you now?, it’s not because He’s far off, it’s because our gaze is not on Him and His will.
One song I heard yesterday really put it all in perspective: even in our suffering, even when it can’t be seen, I know, You’re in control! Those words are taken from my new favorite – Lauren Daigle’s Look Up Child.
I hope you enjoy the song. May it bring you the comfort and peace you need today. Look up child! God bless you!
Loved reading this blog. Made me laugh because I am constantly looking up to GOD in heaven and praising him for his daily blessings. I look up with a smile and say “I SEE YOU GOD, I KNOW THAT WAS YOUR DOING”….