Just When I Think I’ve Heard it All

Some days I sit and stare at my Bible and devo book.

Mmmhhmm – my mind practically dismisses the familiar passages. I’ve heard all this before….

I find myself skimming the words of the prophets, poets, and apostles as if they were just another blog post or article. I am used to being enticed and entertained by authors and media; conditioned to being tantalized with a clever turn of phrase promising a new and better result.

Sometimes I expect God to do the same.

In those restless moments of sitting and staring – if I will allow myself to stay – I have come to realize that I am not alone. God hasn’t left the building. He didn’t fail to show up at my self-appointed quiet time.

I appreciate rather than fear these moments. He has not abandoned me. We are simply sitting quietly together. Just the Lover of my soul and me.

Sometimes quiet is what I need. Knowing that the Creator of all things is with me and in me and I am changed simply by being in His Presence causes my breathing to slow. My thoughts stop whirling and I have a sense of being suddenly grounded. Steadied.

Even when I do experience a new and exciting revelation of God, it’s new only to me. It’s just that my understanding has been broadened to be able to grasp an aspect of God that has been there all along.

God never changes. He is faithful and true. His promises are sure. He cannot lie. His love and mercy never end. This is His beauty. The glory of the Lord. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. No repackaging necessary. No new marketing required. His story will never reboot. His message of love and forgiveness and reconciliation stands.

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3 NLT