Feel Your Way Toward God
“So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: “To the unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, …’”
On December 15th of this year, we had some unusual weather conditions develop that led to a very strong storm front moving through the area in the evening hours. In fact, there was actually a high wind warning and a tornado watch announced for our area (something that apparently hadn’t happened in this region in December since the early 1930’s). People were being told to fill buckets with water and to locate flashlights since widespread power outages were expected. Since the sun sets so early in the evening this time of year, it would be pitch black if the power was knocked out.
If you’ve ever tried to quickly walk around in your house in complete darkness, you know that it will often lead to pain and/or injury! A stubbed toe or a shin bone violently interacting with the edge of a coffee table are likely to result. Over time and multiple failed attempts at this, we eventually learn to go slowly and sort of gently “feel” our way around in the darkness.
It’s interesting that Paul uses that type of imagery in the above passage in describing people who are trying to find God. They are pretty sure that He is there, but like the coffee table in the completely dark room, they’re not exactly sure where. Scripture tells us that all people are given enough evidence of God’s existence (through what we refer to as common grace and general revelation) that no one has an excuse for not pursuing Him.
“ For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
Sometimes, even as believers, we can find ourselves “feeling about” in a sort of spiritual darkness during those times when God seems distant. Note that I said seems distant. He is never actually distant, but there are times in every believer’s life when God’s presence is not manifested as strongly as it is at other times. Sometimes we can be on the mountain top, sensing the literal breath of God in and on our lives. And at other times – whether due to sin in our lives or simply God’s gracious “stretching” of our faith – we wonder, “Where has He gone?” Job was an extremely devout man (see Job 1:1), yet even he experienced this phenomenon:
“Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! … Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.”
Job went through a trial unlike anything most people have or will have to go through (see Job 1:2-2:10). Yet his faith remained strong and even grew during that time of incredible testing. Even when he didn’t feel it, he knew God was near and was still in control of things.
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
Fortunately, God has given us a “flashlight” to use, especially when it seems as though all the lights have gone out in our spiritual walk. He has given us the Scriptures to guide us, teach us, and reveal Himself to us.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, ...”
Even in the midst of trials, we can find comfort in and gain hope from the promises of God found in His Word. And when we are fully charging our flashlight batteries by spending time with Him in His Word, we then are able to help light the way for our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and families.
Prayer
Father in heaven, we thank You for the most wonderful gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whom we have life, hope, healing, and complete joy. Lord, we ask You to give us the compassion and boldness to share our joy of knowing You with those around us, so that they may be able to stop blindly “feeling” their way around in the dark, and instead, come into Your glorious light and see You clearly, coming to You in faith and repentance through Christ our Lord. Amen.
