Really, it’s not our job to find God. He finds us. He never really loses us, but we hide from him, or lose ourselves, and God finds us again. Maybe the first question I should ask is… do I want God to find me? Should I come out of my hiding place? Should I open my eyes and see the God who is waiting patiently before me, waiting patiently to be seen.
God is everywhere. He is in the world around us, since he created it. He is in the people around me, since he created each one of them. He is in me, closer to me than the marrow of my bones. The only reason I don’t see him is that I haven’t really looked; or maybe I don’t know what to look for.
So where should I look?
- At the world, in all its beauty, strength and fragility. He made it and he loves it. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork. (Ps.19) If we look carefully at the world and see its beauty, we will see the footprints, the handiwork of God.
- At each other. Start with those you love: children, husband, wife, and friend. God made them and gave them to you as gifts. Each one is unique. They have faults, but they are lovable and God can be found in them.
- In Scripture. Scripture shows us men and women in conversation with God. God sometimes appears angry, destructive and cruel, as when he orders the deaths of whole tribes in the Old Testament. Perhaps that is just how the people of Israel wanted to see him. Much more often God is loving, compassionate and kind. If we want to know what God is like we look at Jesus in the Gospels. He shows us a God we can love.
- And pray. God is everywhere, even if you can’t see him. You need only open your mouth and you will be speaking to him. Just think a thought and he will know it. Prayer is the easiest thing in the world. Just do it.
Visit or Stay
We welcome you to come to CR and to share in our life. Some come regularly to talk with a brother, others spend a day or two experiencing this very different environment. Individuals and groups come on retreat and pilgrimage, share in the teaching and courses we offer and join us in worship and meals.
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