Wonder

Prologue

FOR years, even prior to my first day of seminary, I have felt the closeness of God through the practice of what I learned is technically called, "theological reflection." It seemed to me that God was speaking a message through everyday circumstances in my life. In my spiritual journey, events and episodes have been invitations to “classrooms” that teach a lesson about Jesus’ character, provide direction (light), point to spiritual principles, lead me to His heart--and sometimes my own. It has been the evidence that the God of the universe is involved in the details of one's life.

Theological reflections were what filled my journals for more than a decade. These were chronicles of the review of my day or isolated events as I became aware of God’s activity and presence; they are what I affectionately refer to as “LightBulbs”. At times, I would share these LightBulbs with others and they were able to apply them to their own lives. Eventually, they’d practice the discipline on their own. Over the years, through organic conversations with friends, colleagues and strangers, it has been apparent that LightBulbs marked their lives as well. While some had no special name for these revelatory moments, others, like myself, coined a special term for them. Overall, whether they named them or not (or knew it or not), theological reflection was a natural part of their lives – as I believe it is with everyone.

In this book new stories are shared in the hope that you too will be able to hear the voice of the Lord and see His activity in your life too. I pray that your faith is encouraged by the light revealed in the various narratives within these pages. I’m hopeful that your personal LightBulbs illuminate as you begin (or continue) to commit to the practice of theological reflection. Most of all, friend, it is my sincere desire that you see God, hear His voice and experience His WONDER!

Enjoy the journey,

tG.

Introduction

FIRST things first. God speaks to you. Yes, you! Sit with that thought. Breathe it in deeply, and let it sink in. In the midst of everyday life and the many interruptions we encounter, if we really pay attention to our lives, we will see the God who we read about in the Bible, lovingly revealing Himself in everyday events--providing light for our journey with Him. These moments may seem mundane, but when God meets us in the ordinary, it is far from random; it is intentional and intimate. Such encounters also serve as a reminder that we can’t escape God’s presence nor can we stop Him from being involved in our affairs -- at least not successfully. No matter where we find ourselves, the comforting presence of the Lord is there. In Psalm 139:7-12 King David beautifully expresses it this way,

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

David gets it!

So, what am I getting at? God speaks to you and He is present wherever you go! How wonderful that an incomprehensible God (too big to fully understand) chooses to make Himself known and walk with His children so closely. It’s as though He peeks His head into our realities and says, Yes, I am here! I am with you. I am guiding you. I am speaking to you. I see you and I am inviting you to see Me.

And don't we just love when He does that! Better yet, wouldn't it be fantastic to recognize when He is doing it?

Unfortunately, in a culture that normalizes stuffed schedules and specializes in the business of busyness, the human soul often starves while God's voice, presence, and activity go unnoticed. In spite of that, there’s good news. He is still here. Still speaking. Still active and still very present. The question is, how do you and I become sensitive to the voice and activity of God with all of the commotion? Where is God's guidance in the middle of what can be an overwhelming reality? How do we remain Christ-focused in the face of complex times and when we feel intimidated? How do we hear God and find light in the midst of life’s unexpected circumstances?

I suggest that a Christ-focused life has a chance when one befriends the practice of reflecting. Through reflection, one sees God and learns the spiritual lessons He is teaching while life is happening. Beyond that, one can discover the wonder of knowing that God is engaging you on a daily basis.

If you've longed to hear God's voice and see His activity in the everyday circumstances and the busyness of your life, you've chosen the right book! But let me be clear, God has been speaking long before I had an inkling to put words on paper. The Book of Genesis is proof of that. This book is simply a tool, maybe even an answer to prayer. So join me in the adventure of recognizing when the Lightbulbs are going off, as you become sensitive to God’s presence and voice in your everyday life, because my friend, yes - God speaks to you!