“Mom! I can’t find my _____.” You can fill in the blank—homework, favorite shirt, helmet, or (later on) car keys. I’m will use the example of shoes.
“Don’t think I wore them,” I say.
“I know, but I can’t find them.”
“Did you look in your closet?”
“Well, no but I can’t find them. Come help me, please.”
Of course, I drop what I’m doing and go to his aid. And, since he’s been at it for 10 minutes now, I really doubt if his non-mom eyes are capable of locating those shoes. I start my search, and 15 seconds later I’m standing in front of him with the objects of his distress in my hand. “Are these what you’re looking for?” And, I give him that look. You know, that same one I’ve probably worn on my face a 1000 times before—but, who’s counting?
What my son was looking for was there all along, but somehow they escaped his field of vision. The shoes didn’t suddenly appear when the mother figure (that would be me) of the house went hunting for them.
Oh, so much like life! We all yearn for love, acceptance, and mercy—things only God can give us in the most complete and unconditional way possible. Problem is we tend to search in all the wrong places for them. We think He is hiding His goodness from us, and that just isn’t true. I picture God trying to get our attention to tell us that He’s ready to give us all that is beneficial, genuine, and fulfilling. All we have to do is ask. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7, NIV)
I believe He uses the people and circumstances around us to meet our needs, when and how He sees fit. However, all of it ultimately comes from Him. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” (James 1:7, NAS). Isn’t it easier to ask the Maker of the Universe than to spend our time searching continually for the longings of our hearts? Yes! But in our humanness, we think this world can fill the voids that really only God can satisfy in the most lasting and steadfast way.
So, if you feel like you are seeking after something that is missing in your life, look to the Lord. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NAS) You will find everything you need in Him.
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, The Message)
Be blessed today.
©2013 Tammy Maseberg All Rights Reserved