Busy, busy, busy. That’s how many of us tend to go through our days whether we’re at school, in the workplace, at home, or somewhere else. Even our vacations can sometimes be so full of activities that we feel like we need a vacation once we get home from vacation!
As crazy and scary as the past 18 months have been, one benefit for some people has been the realization that life doesn’t always have to be so busy. We saw that we can slow down … take a break … step back a bit … and the world will still keep turning.
What a refreshing reminder for some of us, myself included.
I’m a firm believer that God is all around us in big and small ways every day. After all, Scripture tells us so multiple times. First, we have the obvious example of the creation story in Genesis. A few other references to it include:
- You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you. (Nehemiah 9:6)
- Thus says the Lord,the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him: “Ask me of things to come; will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hand? I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.” (Isaiah 45:11-12)
- For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16)
We can forget to notice those daily reminders as we rush through our days. What’s playing on our radio or in our earbuds drowns out the bird’s song. Our morning routine keeps us from noticing the sunrise. We’re checking things on our phone while waiting in a restaurant so miss the smile from the baby at the next table.
I’m not pointing fingers here; I’m just as guilty as anyone else. But I’m trying to do better. Why?
Because when we slow down, we see God.
And when we see God, we can’t help but be changed.
After all, how can we not be changed and be in complete awe of God once we see Him for ourselves?
That’s the kind of change I want to have in my life. But how do we do make it happen?
The best way I’ve found is to ask God to open my eyes and ears so that I’ll see or hear Him around me that day. When I do this, it’s amazing how many ways I notice Him. It’s as if He’s just waiting for the opportunity to show off. 😊
I also try to write down some of the things I see or experience. Then on those days when I’m struggling or questioning or doubting, I can look back and see how many ways God has reminded me of His presence.
Sometimes I see Him in big, obvious ways like the pillars of cloud and fire that God used to guide the Israelites while they were in the desert (Exodus 13:21-22). Other times it’s in subtle ways that are easy to overlook, like when God spoke to Elijah in the still, small whisper instead of the earthquake or fire (1 Kings 19:9-13).
Either way, it’s God. He’s in the biggest of the big and the smallest of the small because He created it all. He wants — and deserves — our praise for every bit of it, from the tallest mountain or most complex creation to the everyday things in life that feel inconsequential.
As Christians, we’re told to continually praise God. Learning to slow down so we can see Him in everything around us is one way to do that, one way to keep Him as an important part of our day.
It doesn’t become habit overnight and there are plenty of days when I don’t focus on it as well as I could. The world still clatters all around me, pulling my attention in too many directions. But I keep trying and hope you do, too.
We’re all works in progress, no matter how old we are or how long we’ve been following God. How do you set the world aside long enough to see God in your everyday life? Have you found a way to keep track of those moments so you don’t forget them?
Leave a comment to share what you’ve learned and help someone else in their journey. We can all use help along the way.
Be blessed, friends!
Thank you Leigh for these reminders … to slow down and see, listen, and feel God’s presence and beauty and love. On my front porch is where I start my day and experience God’s beauty. But today especially I am going to look throughout the day while on my appointments and errands. SHINE ON!
A front porch in the morning or evening is a beautiful place to see God. I hope you found Him in some other places today, too. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing. Blessings!
Leigh, what a beautiful post! I’m glad you included this powerful question: “After all, how can we not be changed and be in complete awe of God once we see Him for ourselves?” It challenges me to stop, be still, and watch and listen for Him. When I do that, He changes me, and that’s good. I love to sit on my deck for Bible study and prayer as I listen for His voice.
Thank you, Jeannie, I appreciate you stopping by and sharing. I’m sure you see Him in multiple ways during your study and prayer time on your deck. There’s something about sitting in the quiet on a porch or deck that helps me soak things in and see them in new ways.
I related to these thoughts. One of my favorite things is looking for “God sightings”while I take morning walks- color, sounds,variety and thanking Him for the stamina and health to walk too! Thanks for an inspiring post.
Yes, Marilyn, I completely agree. And isn’t it amazing how we can take the same walk or do the same thing every day but still see Him differently if we’re paying attention? God sightings are the best. Thanks for stopping by!
“Slow down!” I’m trying, Leigh, but I need to do better. Thank you for encouraging me (and all your readers) to slow down, see God, and let Him change us. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But, what a challenge for us. Loved your suggestions. I’d also add that taking a walk in nature daily (or as often as we can) is a wonderful way to commune with God–we see Him in His awesome creation and can’t help but be reminded that HE is GOD. Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging message.
Katherine, you’re so right — it sounds so easy but can be so hard to do! I definitely need to do better myself. I completely agree with your suggestion of taking a walk in nature to commune with God and see Him. Being so close to Him in His creation is one of the best reminders of Who He is. Thanks for stopping by — be blessed. 🙂