Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Philip Yancey
Devotional: 3 Reasons Why You’re Not Seeing Enough of God In Your Life
God is always watching out for you. The Bible says that He knows you so well that He knew you when you were still in your mother’s womb. Now that’s concern. None of the people you know, even your parents, can claim that level of intimate knowledge about you. God sees all and He is always watching you. What’s more, He wants you to know Him intimately as well. He wants you to abide in Him and trust Him. Sadly, most people feel they don’t see enough of God in their lives. Here are just some of the reasons why.
Reason #1: You Choose to See People not God
Every human being has the image of God in them. Indeed, the Bible clearly teaches that God made us in His image. When we choose to see the worst in people or we choose to see people as completely different from us, we reject God’s image in humanity. The more we discriminate, engage in tribalism, or objectify people as simply means to an end, the more we reject God’s image.
Eventually, we become numb and only see flesh instead of the divine image in humanity. This is where all sorts of sin become possible. The good news is how you look at people is a choice. Choose to see them as carrying God’s image and your attitude towards your fellow humans will change. As a result, the world will feel less absurd, pointless, or prone to ‘stupidity’ as before.
Reason #2: You Choose to Focus on Your Problems
When you focus on your problems, they get bigger. The more you focus on them, the bigger and more powerful they become. Some people focus so much on their problems that God, by comparison, dwindles to the point of disappearing. Choose to focus on God instead. Realize that He is bigger than your problems. Draw on His power by simply making Him your focus. He’s already in front of you watching you. You only need to take your eyes off your problems and choose to see Him in your life.
Reason #3: You Choose to Focus on Your Self
By being self-absorbed, you lose sight of the greatness of God. You develop an inflated view of your personal power. Your pride becomes so hungry and bloated that it pushed God out of your mind. This really is too bad because it only takes one bad fall to make us realize we’re not as powerful, smart, or resourceful as we think we are. If you choose to increase your ego, God will decrease. Eventually, you will push Him completely out of your life and consciousness. It is no wonder many people think God isn’t around in their lives.
One Final Thought to Keep in Mind
Notice that the reasons laid out are all choices? If you can choose to ignore God, you can choose to look for him and stay focused on Him. It’s all a choice.
