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.
From the Inside Out 