Encouragement for Today
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November 5, 2024 Where Is God? |
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
My heart was heavy as I walked into that empty pediatric-surgery waiting room and sat down numbly in the cold, stiff chair by the window.
The past few hours had been a whirlwind of events. Mind racing and heart pounding, I was desperately trying to make sense of the hurried hallway conversations with the doctors, signing consent forms and watching my daughter be rolled away.
I stared blankly out the window as fear and anger overtook my thoughts. This was not the first time I had sat alone in this room. I hated being here, but mostly I hated what my daughter was going through.
As I watched the hustle and bustle of the seemingly carefree world outside those walls, one question flooded my mind: Where is God?
Have you ever felt alone and helpless, too numb to pray, and wondered why God was not showing up when you needed Him the most? It’s easy to feel abandoned when we’re struggling to make sense of our circumstances. My strong and unshakable Sunday-morning faith can easily fall to pieces the second life feels out of control.
In these moments, I can choose to either seek pity or seek God.
In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Notice it doesn’t say “you will find Me when searching your own thoughts” or “you will find Me when you have all the information.”
But in our where-is-God moments, as our minds struggle to comprehend difficult circumstances, maintaining the right perspective feels impossible. Our minds seek answers while our hearts shout, Seek God!
Children seek out their parents when they’re alone or scared. They run as fast as they can, longing to be wrapped up in the safety and comfort of loving arms. This is exactly how God wants us to run to Him the moment our world feels out of control.
The presence of the Lord never leaves us, but we must choose to be present with Him.
Being present with the Lord in my time of need looks like reflecting on truths from His Word, taking time to “be still, and know that [He is] God” (Psalm 46:10, NIV). I can take refuge in the knowledge that the Lord Almighty is my fortress (Psalm 18:2). His promise never to leave me nor forsake me means I don’t have to feel afraid or alone (Deuteronomy 31:8).
I will always find God …
When I shift my focus from myself to my Savior.
When I give my hurt to my Healer.
When I put my circumstances in the hands of my Creator.
Friend, God is always right where you are.
Dear God, thank You for Your faithful presence in my life. Help me to see You when I feel alone and overwhelmed by my circumstances. When I feel like You are far away, pour Your perfect peace into my heart and mind. Remind me of Your promise never to leave me. I trust You with my hurt and fears. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Have you ever sat down to write and immediately felt bombarded by negative thoughts? You question if you are good enough. You’re unsure if anyone would want to read what’s on your heart to share. Friend, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just getting started, we have good news: These thoughts don’t have to keep you from your calling any longer. That’s why we put together our new, FREE devotional, “The Truth Is … A 5-Day Devotional To Move Past Self-Doubt and Start Writing With Confidence.”
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Today’s devotion writer, Amber Booth, is a member of COMPEL Pro Writers Training. Receive writing tips on your social media feeds when you follow COMPEL Pro on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 46:10, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth’” (NIV).
Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (NIV).
Are you struggling to trust God in the middle of a difficult circumstance in your life? How could keeping your mind steadfastly focused on God help you recognize His presence in your life? Share with us in the comments!
Today, set aside some time to sit quietly with God, resting in His presence, and ask Him to give you His peace in your heart.
© 2024 by Amber Booth. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org