SEARCHING FOR & FINDING THE GOD WHO IS ALREADY THERE

Fearful of tomorrow? Uncertain about the future? Wondering where God is in the midst of this crazy, confusing, and chaotic world? He’s already there.

SEARCHING FOR GOD

I invite those of you who may be seeking and searching for God during these troubled times to join us here AT THE CROSSROADS. I hope you find this a safe and welcoming place where you can be authentic and real. This blog seeks to openly and honestly wrestle with issues of how faith and life intersect. This struggle is sometimes messy, but with God’s help, I sincerely desire to lead us to a place of clarity and connection.

WHY WE FEAR TOMORROW

The simple and straightforward answer as to why we fear the future is:

We fear what we do not know and cannot control.

If I were writing this a year ago, my list of questions about the future might have included:

• Will my plans and dreams succeed or fail?
• Will I find God’s purpose for my life and be fulfilled?
• Will my children grow into happy, healthy & productive adults?
• What will happen to my aging parents & how will I care for them?
• Will we be living in the same place or moving?

But now, amid a global pandemic and national unrest, those questions have changed, becoming more focused and acute.

• Can I safely resume some of my”normal” routine and activities?
• Will my kids be able to go back to school or college?
• What will happen to my job and financial situation?
• What if I get sick? What if my family does?
• Will life ever look the same?

Although these questions differ in scope and intensity, they still have us looking at a future that is unknown and uncertain. And taking those tentative steps into unchartered territory can cause anxiety, fear, and doubt.

We vacillate between:

• worry and willpower
• anxiety and anticipation
• confusion and confidence

And we wonder where God is as we struggle to maintain our balance on this shaky and shifting ground.

FINDING GOD WHO IS ALREADY THERE

When my kids were younger (and even now as young adults) and faced a new situation, they would ask me questions, seeking comfort and assurance. I think back to the first time they rode a school bus, slept over someone’s house, entered a new school, tried out for a team, went off to college, or started their first job. They were entering the unknown without me and wanted to be as prepared as they could be.

• Where am I going?
• Who will be there?
• Will they like me?
• How will I know what to do?
• What will it be like when I get there?

As a parent who tries to be honest with my kids, I gave them as much information as possible but also admitted that I did not have the answers to all of their questions. There was no way I could know or predict everything that would happen to them. So, I would take their hand, say a prayer, and reassure them with this truth.

I may not know exactly where you are going or what it is going to be like when you get there, but I do know one thing for sure:

GOD IS ALREADY THERE.

TRUSTING GOD WHO IS ALREADY THERE

Lately, I have had to remind myself of this same truth because I struggle…

• When I want answers to my questions.
• When I want a roadmap and clear directions.
• When I want to know how to care for my family.
• When I want to prepare for what is to come.
• When I want to control the details of my life.

Did you notice the verb I used? Want. What I want, desire, crave, yearn.

And don’t misunderstand me, some of those things that we want are not wrong or inappropriate. It is natural to desire guidance, reassurance, and support when we must venture into the unknown.

But that is where our faith must intersect with our life… because faith tells me that I can always trust God to provide what I need.

The Bible promises that God goes before us, preparing the way, providing all that we need, and promising to be there when we arrive.

SCRIPTURE VERSES THAT REMIND US THAT GOD IS ALREADY THERE

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)

You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.“

Psalms 139:5 (NLT)

But you will not leave in haste
    or go in flight;
for the Lord will go before you,
    the God of Israel will be your rear guard.“

Isaiah 52:12 (NIV)

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.“

Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

Luke 12:27-31 (NLT)

A PRAYER WHEN YOU NEED TO FIND THE GOD WHO IS ALREADY THERE

Below is a prayer by Thomas Merton that is a beautiful reminder that even when we have no idea where we are going, we never walk alone because GOD IS ALREADY THERE.

I would also like to leave you with a powerful song, THERE WAS JESUS, by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. I pray it gives you hope that Jesus is always there…in the waiting, in the searching, in the healing, and the hurting.

WALKING INTO THE UNKNOWN KNOWING GOD WILL MEET US THERE

In uncertain and troubled times like these, we need each other more than ever. I want you to know that there is a place for you here AT THE CROSSROADS!

If you desire to join a community where you can meet others for hope and encouragement on your faith journey, I would love to have you as a fellow traveler. Sign up by filling out the form below, and you will receive weekly blog posts, monthly newsletters, free faith resources, and more!

If this post spoke to you in any way, would you mind leaving a comment, sharing it on social media, or even letting a friend know? It would be encouraging to hear from others who need to be reminded that GOD IS ALREADY THERE.