Words, Words

Recently, I’ve caught myself uttering the funniest phrase at random times.   It goes like this. . .

“God showed up in a big way.”

Sometimes I mix it up a little.

“God REALLY showed up.” Or, “Boy, was God with me today.”

To say any of those phrases means, that at some point, God didn’t show up, or He wasn’t with me all of the other days.

Hmm.  I don’t think so.  I’m pretty certain He’s always there.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6b

Did you catch it?  The words never and always?  Those are BIG words.  God words.

There are too many scriptures to list that give this same promise.  So why do we say such things?  I know I’m not alone in this.  I’ve heard many Christian leaders and teachers speak similar words.

Is it Christian lingo, perhaps?  Like the words fellowship, connection, and countless others?  Or, are we really conveying a feeling when we say, God showed up?

I think it’s the later.  It’s one thing to know in my head that God is there.  It’s another to feel His presence.  And it’s when I get caught up in the “feeling” that I utter such phrases.

I believe this is nothing new to God.  After all, these scriptures were His promises to the many other believers who have gone before us.  Believers like Abraham and Sarah, who begged God for a child, and didn’t receive one until decades later.  Believers like the Israelites, who complained to Moses in the desert; asking and wondering, where God was.   Believers like King David, who cried out for God in his heartfelt psalms.

So, is it possible that words aren’t enough?  Do we long to feel the words being spoken to us?  Do we need actions to back up what is said to us?  In our earthly relationships, yes!  I think we expect it.  When it comes to God, I think we long to feel His presence—all the time. But we don’t always.

And that’s where faith comes in.  To take Him at His word.