THE STARS LINED UP

Well once again, I have had the stars line up (you do know who is in charge of lining them up) not two times but three.  That means another post is coming on this subject of seeking God.  When I published the blog on "One Way or Two Way Road" a couple of weeks ago, I had a great deal of discussion about us needing to seek God; on the same day that was published my daily devotional spoke of studying nature in order to see Who God is (this study would be best done in moments of solitude and out in nature); and finally I am rereading The Stranger in the Woods  for book club, since I am in charge of leading the discussion and I read it more than two weeks ago which is about my memory length.  (Is that my longest sentence ever asked the Queen of run on sentences)?

The book is about a "hermit" (not how he describes himself) who was alone for almost three decades.  You might ask why that would cause me to be nudged.  He is a self proclaimed polytheist who studied nature intensely while secluded.  I find it amazing you could study nature and not know there is a 
God.  I blame this on his continued connection to the world.  He had no in person connection  and only spoke one word (if you can believe him), but he still listened to the radio, watched television for a while, and read books written by man.  That can taint a man's opinions and ideas.  Turn on the news--it can taint the most open mind.  Perhaps his failure to understand there is one God comes from his early years.  He KNEW it was wrong to steal, but that is how he existed.  WHO would have convicted him about stealing, if not God?  He is really smart, so they say.  Being smart does not mean you are wise.  I would question his powers of introspection.  In his defense, he walked into those woods at 20.  Not many of us have sense enough to get in out of the rain at 20.  He was emotionally stunted by his walking off and leaving his fellow man.  That could certainly call into question the ability to answer the BIG questions of life.

The blog brought a great deal of discussion about seeking a two way relationship with God.  Being his friend.  NOW, in all truthfulness, I have a difficult time thinking my relationship with God is a friendship.  He is God and I am His creation.  I want a relationship with Him similar to one with a Father.  Perhaps that is caused by losing my own father at such an early age.  We have a two way relationship with our fathers, we communicate, we know they provide, we look to them for teaching, we know we are loved, but we also have a great deal of respect for them.  All the more so with our Heavenly Father.  I cannot see myself as God's Buddy.  I do see myself as one who loves and respects Him and looks to Him for wisdom and direction.  He is after all--A Holy God.

The devotional explanation of Psalm 19:1-6 speaks of knowing who God is by the evidence of His creation.  "David says that there is a God: 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.'  As we look at the world we see God's footprint ~ 'his eternal power and divine nature.' "  When I spend any amount of time alone in the outdoors, I am always amazed at God's intricate creation.  God is in the details of nature--each and every detail is a mark of His intricate nature and great love for His creation. " God's revelation in creation is available to everyone."

The next day after the One Way post, I put a blank page with no words and the scripture "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10.  All of this is pointing to our need to understand Who God is.  There is no greater quest in life than seeking God.  He is found in His creation, His Word, and most important talking to God and then LISTENING for His reply.  When I want to know and understand a subject better, I read all I can find on that subject.  I might attend a live demonstration  on the how to.  I might ask experts in the field for advice.  I would do all I can to have an intellectual understanding of the subject.  We have people who spend their entire lives studying one subject.  I recently read of a scientist who only studied one species of frog for his entire career.  If a frog can require a lifetime of study, how much more would God require?  He requires a life long pursuit.  To find Him, we first have to search for Him.  He is worthy of our pursuit.  Whatever we learn, there is always more--He is a BIG subject to study.  Along with the head knowledge comes the pursuit of a heart knowledge.  Learning to love what you are studying.   A love story of such beauty and depth that our lives reflect our deep passion and need for Him.  "Be still and know that I am God." and find "the peace that passes all understanding."  AMEN!