Where Do You Meet God?

The other day I had lunch with a friend. Later in the day she emailed me to follow up on something we had talked about. I responded with further thoughts. When she called later in the week, I recognized her voice. I don’t have proof of this but it struck me how similar it is with God. When I meet with God I think His presence lingers. I think more about Him after my time with Him. 

Many of us can recite Jesus’ words, “I will never leave you or forsake you” or “Lo, I am with you always,” but how many of us really experience God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life?

Ideally we’d like to be aware of Jesus sitting beside us at our desk at work, walking beside us on the treadmill, grieving with us in our lonely moments, whispering guidance in difficult conversations. A noble (and realistic) goal (see Psalm 139:7-10), but . . . maybe a first step is just putting in place the practice of meeting with Him in a way that’s enjoyable and repeatable so we want to do it each day. A few minutes reading the Bible, reflecting (journal if it helps), praying, at our best time of the day, in a place we love . . . I won’t recognize God’s presence and voice in the ordinary moments of my lives if I don’t familiarize myself with His character and words in the Bible. 

But it’s not about legalistically checking another thing off our to-do list. The goal is to have a sacred meeting with God. I like what John Ortberg says: We don’t need to get through the Bible, but to get the Bible through us. 

I like to meet with God at Starbucks or at my favorite lake. So, where do you meet God? Do you have a rhythm that’s enjoyable and repeatable?

Laura Crosby serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation at The Table

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