Online dating services have proved: you don’t have to see a person to fall in love. Through heart-to-heart sharing over the internet, couples can become acquainted with the likes and dislikes of one another, their opinions on current issues, and what brings them satisfaction in life.
The format provides the opportunity to learn about who the other person is before finding out what he/she looks like. (One site requires five contacts back and forth before names are exchanged–much less photos.)
It’s possible that couples in new online relationships grow to know one another better than couples who meet face-to-face, because they communicate more and at a deeper level. (Assuming they’re being honest, of course.)
Similarly, we can grow to know and love God through heart-to-heart sharing, even though we can’t see him.
For example, we might share such whisper-thoughts as these, when:
The view from our deck one September morning
- Our attention is drawn to sunbeams on mist-draped foliage, and we turn the observation into praise for God’s creative handiwork
- Someone grabs us in an exuberant hug, and we thank God for family and friends who provide encouragement and support
- An unpleasant task is finished, and we praise him for the fortitude to see it through
- Humor comes into our lives and we laugh in response, but also in gratitude to the God of all joy
- We light quiet-time candles, reminding us the Light of the world is with us in our solitude
There is no sweeter manner of living in the world
than continuous communion with God.
Brother Lawrence (1611-1691)
But one-sided communication doesn’t build a relationship. Listening for God’s words and watching for his works are essential. How do we do that? God rarely speaks audibly or shows himself physically. No one has seen his face (1).
However, God does reveal his heart to us in a number of ways through:
The Bible
No surprise there. Its pages offer a lifetime of new discoveries about who our God is and how he works in our lives. We hear God’s wisdom in his words; we see God’s love in his actions (2).
Other reading
Although Christian writers often provide personal impressions from God, he sometimes speaks through secular works as well. Such moments often catch me off guard.
Recently I read Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones (1986). Among the many worthy morsels I wrote down, she said, “We walk through so many myths of each other and ourselves; we are so thankful when someone sees us for who we are and accepts us.”
O God, I thought, that describes YOU! You see more of my real self than anyone, yet you still accept me. How astounding that you, a perfect God, envelop me in absolute love–in spite of all my flaws.
People
What a heart-lift when others provide encouraging words, warm smiles, or comforting hugs–especially when we remember such good and perfect gifts come from God himself (3).
Creation
John Calvin once described the world of nature as God’s glorious theater. As we take note of his infinite genius on display, we learn of his ingenuity, attention-to-detail, and ability to bring together disparate parts into harmonious habitats. Our hearts fill with wonder.
Music
Sometimes I can almost feel God’s warm touch on my shoulder as he speaks comfort, strength, and joy through the power of song.
Notice: when God communicates with us, there’s a heart-reaction. We experience a quickening in our spirits as we recognize his truth, sense his loving attention, receive guidance and empowerment, or know without a doubt he’s with us and has everything under control.
So!
Keep your eyes open for God,
watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Psalm 105:4 MSG
What a glorious way to live!
Notes:
- Exodus 33:20
- Hebrews 1:2-3
- James 1:17
- See “The Power of Song” for more on this subject.
Photo credits: http://www.wallpaperflare.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.pxnio.com; http://www.pexels.com (Gustavo Fring).
This post revised and reblogged from 9-17-2015 while we enjoy the company of old friends.
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I loved the quote from Brother Lawrence, Nancy, and your mesmerizing photo of your backyard. Yes, God is everywhere and in everything; we simply have to stop long enough to look and listen with intentional delight.
Blessings, my friend!
We do enjoy the tree-top view from our back deck. It’s fun to watch the critters too. Just a glance out the windows can refresh the spirit as our attention is drawn to God’s beautiful, creative, yet purposeful “theater.” / Blessings back to you, dear Martha, for a joy-filled weekend!
By the way, Danny and I met on E-Harmony twenty years ago, and it’s worked great!
How about that? I’ve known other couples who met over the internet also. Online dating services provide so many more opportunities to meet like-spirited (is that a word?) people!
Love this! Thank you 🤍
Thank you, Bridget!
I love John Calvin’s quote on the world being God’s theatre–with a backdrop only He could possibly imagine. Thanks for this beautiful reminder of what heart conversations with God is.
I love the imagery of that Calvin quote also. God is Director-Supreme as he orchestrates every aspect of the universe. Such a wonder to contemplate. / Praise God you found beauty in the reminders here, Dayle!
I love your reminders of how to see God in the world that He has created for us, and how to get to know him better by being aware of His presence throughout the day. Faith will open up our hearts to His voice. Thank you, Nancy!
For me, living aware has been a slow-growing process, but I can see progress. I think you’re right: as our faith develops, so does our awareness. It’s such a meaningful way to live, connecting with God throughout the day and experiencing his strength, peace, and more as a result. Thank you, Nancy!
You’re welcome! 🙂
You make a good point, Nancy. Sometimes seeing someone can be distracting. I read a book years ago, “Streiker’s Bride” by Robin Hardy, where a woman was being courted by a man she wasn’t allowed to see until their wedding day, because he said it would be distracting. She didn’t know if it was because he was incredibly ugly or incredibly handsome. (I won’t give away which one it turned out to be.) That’s true with us, isn’t it? We don’t get to see our Bridegroom’s face until the wedding day, but I have a feeling we won’t be disappointed. 💕
What an interesting premise for a story! / You are so right, Annie–we will NOT be disappointed when we see Jesus face to face! Songwriters over the decades have tried to express what the euphoria of that moment will be like. No doubt the joy will overcome us!
I dream of that day, Nancy. ❤
Wonderful and encouraging thoughts, Nancy!
Love the following:
John Calvin once described the world of nature as God’s glorious theater. As we take note of his infinite genius on display, we learn of his ingenuity, attention-to-detail, and ability to bring together disparate parts into harmonious habitats. Our hearts fill with wonder.
Thank you, Pam. You witness up close these particular attributes of our Heavenly Father as you work in that fantastic garden of yours; you participate in God’s glorious theater!
Thank you for sharing what God speaks to your heart. Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn! It is my honor and joy to share the impressions I pray are from God.
I absolutely have this heart-to-heart communication with the Lord. I feel as if I very open to receive those blessings you conveyed. However, I must confess and am ashamed to admit that I am sometimes distracted by events going on in our world. And, while I am so looking forward to the Rapture, sometimes my reason is very selfish. The world is becoming so challenging and evil that I want to be ‘rescued’ from it, praying that the Lord will return soon. I do remember that He tarries because there are people (some of my own family members) who need to accept Christ as their Savior before it is too late. But the best reason of all to long for the Rapture is finally meeting Jesus face to face! One of my friend’s fathers would often say that he is ‘homesick’ for heaven. (He is with the Lord now.)
Thank you for this encourage passage: “You see more of my real self than anyone, yet you still accept me. How astounding that you, a perfect God, envelop me in absolute love–in spite of all my flaws.” I am much encouraged that when I do meet Jesus He has an ABSOLUTE LOVE, regardless of my failures and flaws.
Someone wrote a song, “Homesick for Heaven!” Maybe you know it. I think it’s the third verse that says: “The Greatest of all is the thought that enthralls,That I shall behold my King;
Rejoice in His presence, revel in His grace,And ever His praises sing.” I don’t think Jesus minds at all your desire to be rescued from evil, Cheri. He loves righteousness and hates wickedness too (Psalm 45:7)!
I never heard of the song “Homesick for Heaven!”
Thank you for your comment about the Lord not minding me to be rescued from evil. It hurts me to see how Satan is at work turning people against our Savior.
Agreed! It’s difficult to understand how people can embrace beliefs that have no substantiation, and ignore the Bible that’s been confirmed by reams of proof. I pray for holy curiosity and a hunger for truth, that people would WANT to know who God is, who Jesus is, and what the Bible is all about.
loved that Natalie Goldberg quote. Will sit with that one for awhile. Beautifully written as usual!
Thank you, Jean!
There’s no doubt God is present in music, Nancy, if you’re willing to listen. When the impact of a particular piece (say, a violin solo of “The Swan”) is emotional – literally tears – I know a more powerful force is at work than just musical instruments. The impact is there in one instance and gone in the next, but it’s as if He is letting me know, “I am with you. All is well”.
How delightful you should mention “The Swan,” Dave. That was one of my father’s favorite classical pieces. He first heard it in fifth grade and touched him deeply. From then on he was a great enthusiast of classical music. Our home was nearly always filled with the strains of Mozart, Beethoven, Grieg, etc.–and, of course, Saint-Saens. God IS present in such music, for sure!
Several classical pieces move me like “The Swan”, Nancy. The English horn solo in Dvorak’s “New World Symphony”. Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze” aria. Any version of Ave Maria. And perhaps the most moving of them all, Debussy’s Claire De Lune. It’s too challenging for me to play, but I’ll never tire of listening to it.
Oh my goodness. Now you’ve mentioned my mother’s favorite classical piece, Claire de Lune. I actually learned an intermediate edition on the piano, which was challenging enough. For some measures there are sixteenth notes in the bass clef and triplets in the treble!! I never could get my two hands to play in two different rhythms. I had to cheat!
This is such a wonderful post and it did touch ‘my heart’. As you have so eloquently presented here, living in communion with God is the path to true joy. Nothing in this world can compare to the love of our Heavenly Father.
Amen, Linda! You’ve brought to mind a song we used to sing a few decades ago, In the Presence of Jehovah. I can’t imagine life without him; I know you feel the same!
Nancy,
Lord speak hope and comfort, direction and desire, and reminders you are there. Hi Nancy hope it’s a great week.
In Christ, Gary
Our God is so good to supply the entities you list–and more! And your hope of a great week for us has been fulfilled as we enjoyed the company of old friends. MUCH laughter together certainly increased our joy!
Yes. The blessing of fellowship all around.
I love how you mentioned that we can talk to God all day long during the moments that fill our days. My husband and I were just talking about that and how this is part of praying without ceasing – just keeping a conversation going with God. He is such a close and faithful companion Who knows me better than anyone else does. Love these encouragements, Nancy!
Thank you, Patty. This is such a blessed way to live, isn’t it, to check in with our Heavenly Father throughout the day, to share with him what’s in our hearts. Indeed, he is a close and faithful companion–Hallelujah!
It is a blessed way to live and I am so eternally grateful to God for His salvation and love for me.
Me too!
wow, Nancy, you’ve packed so much truth and wisdom into your observations. i’m so glad that our God is a creative one, doing what He needs to do to capture our attention, to win our hearts, to show us His love.
Thank you, Linda. Our God does indeed employ creative ways to capture our attention, win our hearts, and show his love! All the more reasons to love, obey, and serve him in return! Hallelujah!
Sunbeams are one of my favorite displays of God’s creative side!! I also love a good sunrise or sunset. He is evident all over the place if we just slow down a bit to treasure His beauty throughout our world.
So important for us to have those heart to hearts with God each and every day!! And I love that it can happen in a variety of ways!!
I love sunbeams too. I imagine the windows of heaven have opened, and the Light of God is shining down upon us!
Great imagery!!
Blessings Nancy for sharing how we reach out to our Father’s heart. It is always present and ready to share with us through another rendezvous. I appreciate what Natalie Goldberg offers here, and I was called to sample some of her thoughts. My quiet morning time is where I usually welcome what God wishes to share from His heart.
I too relish my quiet time with God each morning. But I’m also thankful he reveals himself in a myriad of ways, teaching us, guiding us, encouraging us, and more. What an attentive Father he is!