God is nearby

Everyone around you is seeking a path.

A path to a better relationship. A path to a better job or career. A path to a better “me.”

And especially a path to a better future than what this world holds for them – a better eternity.

Every person you meet has an ache in their soul. Something is missing inside them, and they know it.

You can provide a more peaceful path – not free of troubles and trials – but more peace for what lies ahead for them.

Psalm 23: 2-3 (KJV) – “2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”

Those words may sound foreign to the average person who is not familiar with the Bible, but you can relate what God is saying to them in terms they’ll understand.

For all the searching, worrying and seeking in their world, God offers them rest, direction, peace, restoration and filling that “emptiness” they feel and a path of living a good life for something that matters – God.

You’d be amazed at what a simple verse shared with someone, anyone and everyone, who is seeking something more in this world and in their life will do for them.

They don’t know it, but God is seeking them – His gaze is always focused on them, whom He loves.

Psalm 46:1 (KJV) – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

1 Peter 5:7 (KJV) – “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

2 Samuel 22:33 (KJV) – “God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.”

James 4:8a (KJV) – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

And all things of this world, whether someone knows it or not, can’t keep a person from God if they seek Him.

Romans 8:38-39 (KJV) – “38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Despite how bad life’s outlook appears, despite how we may feel, despite a lack of direction, God is seeking each of us.

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Now, disciple, draw near to God – let Jesus reign in your life – so that you may reveal the path that leads to God and His everlasting salvation, our Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Questions for now

God not only seeks out those who need Him, He also walks ahead of those who follow Him.

When you think about, “Who will God connect me with today?” He is always just ahead, ushering you forward.

He knows someone with whom He wants you to cross paths, and He guides you.

When you get to one of those divine intersections, here are some questions:

• Seems like something has you distracted. How can I help?

• You cursed and said this is a horrible job and a horrible day. Can I share how I get through situations like this?

• Your worrying has me concerned. Can we talk about it?

Share from the heart, and a verse or two like the ones above, and usher them down a path toward Jesus.

Be kind. Love others. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Despite the weight of world, into the grind we go

Ever want to walk away, pack up and head for the hills?

I’ve felt this way many times, and lately it’s an almost daily, recurring thought process.

I envy those people on social media who pack up and start a homestead.

They seem so at peace, despite all the hard work, long days and uncertainty that comes with self-sustainment.

This world can be a brutal bear for believers trying to make a go of God’s mission in the midst of situations, and people, that don’t appear to be any more godly than Sodom or Gomorrah.

I often ponder about how long we’re supposed to stick it out in these situations – trying to reach people, do something good – before packing up and leaving the sinful situations to their own devices and not looking back.

Or are we charged with sticking it out to the bitter end, working and hoping for something good to come of our situation?

The answer to this day escapes me.

It’s one of the hardest things for me to do – say I don’t know the answer.

Now is the time to hold fast, wait for direction.

Isaiah 29-30 (KJV) – “29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.”

I just hope the wait is not too long.

The weight grows heavier and my strength, resilience is not what it used to be.

That homestead, maybe with some still waters and green pastures, is appealing.

Now disciple, until then, into the grind.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”