Seeking God.
Several years ago I received the good advice of seeking out a spiritual director.  Spiritual directing involves one person specifically trained to assist another person in developing a deeper relationship with God.  I found a retired pastor who I have been meeting with for more than six years now.  Each time he listens to me tell about the events that have been happening in my life.  At some point he will ask me the question, “Where’s God in the midst of all this?”

Of course, reading the Bible is the first and most important step when it comes to seeking God in our lives.  The Holy Spirit uses the words of scripture about how God has been active in the past to inform us about how God is acting in the present.  It is after reading the Bible for myself that the help of someone else becomes most effective.

Then to talk with someone else about that simple question, “Where’s God in the midst of your life?” gives me a fresh perspective.  It helps to have someone else share their insights based on their life experiences and their understanding of God.  This gives me practice in seeing my life from an outside perspective.  Ultimately, the value of our time together is that I come away with a new energy from a deeper relationship with God and a reassurance that God is indeed at work if I would just listen and pay attention.

This month will be a time of encouraging our congregation to ask the question, “Where is God in the midst of your life?”  This will be a part of our annual stewardship campaign that seeks to ask, “Where’s God now?  Where’s God next?” 

In addition to a spiritual director, I am thankful for the small groups that I am a part of where I can also seek God’s direction with others.  Asking a question like, “Where’s God?” and then sharing the answers with others can be a powerful source of strength and inspiration for all involved.   And the best news is that we have a promise from Jesus, that if we ask, we will receive and if we seek, we will find (Matthew 7:7-8).  So where is God in the midst of your life?  Tell somebody about it.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tom