When I was a kid, at night, alone in bed later, I wondered what God was really like. I did not doubt His existence, but I most certainly doubted His presence. I imagined it might be like growing up in a country that had a king. You know the monarchy is real, but since you are not in the royal family, you doubt you would ever speak to the king or meet him. There’s no way to know what he’s like. Is he good or bad?
When I was born again, I learned that God cared for me and that I could have a relationship with Him. The Creator of the universe was both my Friend and a good King. Seeing His goodness required walking with Him, one day at a time, like Jesus’ disciples walked with Him. An example of God’s goodness happened to me not long ago, and I am still thinking about it, mostly because it’s critical to remember and way too easy to forget.
I contend that God reveals Himself to us daily. The only question is, do we see it? I was down on my knees pruning overgrown blackberries, cutting and yanking with energy and focus. Suddenly, looking up, I saw a cloud of yellow jackets directly over my head. Just a few inches from my knee sat their nest. Jumping up, I ran away as quickly as possible, and when there was some distance between me and that angry swarm, I realized I did not suffer a single sting.
It could have been really bad. That cloud of yellow jackets, just over my head, could have stung my neck and face. God spared me that day. But here’s the key, do I say I was lucky or give the credit to God? Or even worse, not stop to think about the miracle at all. Sometimes, we miss the kindness and goodness of God. When we are not looking, we can’t see. That’s the shame. When God helps us, blesses us, keeps us, and we don’t even pay attention. I was reluctant to admit, even to myself, that God had done something marvelous and miraculous. It’s a behavior similar to an entitled brat.
If I showed kindness to a friend that was never acknowledged, would I want to keep being kind to that friend? Sometimes, I pray for God’s help but don’t notice it when it comes. I forget the wonder and awe I felt when I first came to realize God is real, AND He cares for me. Sometimes I accept His gifts but don’t say thank you. Sometimes I seek guidance but won’t wait for an answer.
Matthew 28:20 says, “Lo I am with you always even until the end of the world,” and Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave thee of forsake thee.” The God who breathed life into this universe wants to have a relationship. For me, this is awesome and a direct answer to my silent questions as a child, yet I still get caught up with what I am doing and fail to truly recognize His goodness.
One way to recognize God would be to start each day with a prayer that might sound something like this:
“Father God, I know You love me and care for me. I know You have been with me my whole life – even when I have not recognized it. And through Your son, Jesus, I want to have a relationship with You. Remind me today of Your love and Your goodness; and when you show Your kindness, protection, or grace, help me to recognize it. Through Your Holy Spirit, show me when I am doing the right thing, and help me when I get distracted, selfish, or off track. I want to know You. Thank You in advance, and I ask for the ability to slow down today and see You.”
Jeremiah 29:13 says, “And ye shall seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all your heart.” We can be assured He hears our prayers to know Him. I want to encourage you to pray every day to see God’s goodness.
A couple of days after the incident with the yellow jacket nest, I was walking past a trash can and a stinking yellow jacket zipped out of there and stung my elbow. Just another reminder to never take God for granted. He was there when I was a little girl, wondering if it was possible to know Him, and He is here right now. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).
– Written by Jill
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