Further material for my devotional project |
How do we imagine God? That's the question I need to think on today, and it's a big one. There are so many points of reference. For example, there is the character of God. HE IS faithful, good, true, full of loving kindness, compassionate, generous, patient, loving, forgiving---those are qualities I can name immediately. They are not all, but the ones that spring to my mind right away. Looking at HIS relationships with others reflects HIS character, too. HE instructed Abram to leave his home and travel to a foreign land, HE led Moses to holy ground, and HE provided David strength to defeat his enemies. HE commissioned Solomon to build HIS temple, and called the prophets to spread HIS word. Actions offer another method to assess God. HE provided the initial spark of creation. HE revealed HIMSELF to humanity. HE allowed us freedom and remained present during all our screw ups. So, can we truly understand God from these examples? Partially, we can, but much is incomprehensible. So much is abstract, yet God exists concretely. I believe we can learn of God and experience insights about HIM. That is the beginning for us, to open ourselves to learning, seeking, and knowing God. We cannot rely solely on scripture or reference books, but must engage actively with HIM. Until we agree to that, our growth is stunted and we miss much. Don't miss out---discover Him. To write a devotional, I must truly be devoted. My devotion must grow until I want to decrease so He may increase. When that time comes, I will be ready to learn about true devotion. Until then, I am going to, need to, strive. I shall run the race to the end, even if I falter. For He is with me always, and will never abandon me. It is through His efforts I accomplish tasks, not through my own doing. He gives to me strength to grow closer to Him, and supports me when I get there too. All the heavy lifting comes from the Lord, and I am merely along for the ride. I can do this because He eases my burdens and I can turn all my cares to Him. I love my Lord and He loves me. What can be more beautiful than that? |