This I Know ~ Five Minute Friday

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

This I Know

On evenings like this one, looking at the lake feels just like looking in the mirror. The glassy surface casts back the lights and darks of dusk in perfect replication. Each soft hue and even the smallest leaves are reproduced beautifully across the transparent, quiet water. But…

When the tranquility is disturbed by the winds of a storm or something dropped in the midst of the reflection, the image becomes lost among the ripples as they roll toward shore. We know what we had seen, but now it’s impossible to make out.

My image of God can be the very same way. When things are going smoothly in life, I feel as if I can see Him reflecting love, mercy, and generosity back at me. But…

When the peaceful times are disrupted by raging storms of life, or if the unexpected is thrown into my days, I lose sight of God. Seeing Him in difficult times often seems impossible. Maybe for you too?

Looking at God and His plan through our earthly perspective will never allow us to behold His perfect, invariable image. We only get a glimpse of bits and pieces through the waves of our emotions, surging fears, and disrupted dreams. We just can’t make out the whole picture. But…

This I know: Even though we can’t see Him, He sees us.

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,”
1 Peter 3:12a (NIV)

This I know: Even though it feels as if we’re on our own in restless waters, He is always there.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

This I know: Someday, we will finally see clearly.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know full, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NIV)