Seeing the Sacred: God's Presence in Every Seasonਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 2: Barrier to Awareness #1 - Looking the Other Way

“No doubt about it! God is good—good to good people, good to the good-hearted. But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.” (Ps. 73:1-5 MSG)

Because good is good, not just in action but also in being, whenever we experience situations or circumstances that don’t meet our criteria of goodness, our default is to question God, His character, or His intentions. Because surely the source of goodness—goodness Himself—would be responsible for the lack of goodness present in our lives. When we can’t perceive goodness, we assume God has left with it. But even when we can’t perceive it, goodness is present.

When was the last time you took a break from looking around and zeroed in on where you are right now? In body, in spirit, in mind, and in emotion? How is your life right now compared to where you thought you’d be at this point in your life? Does it look different from what you expected? Are you different? How have you changed and evolved? What dreams or hopes for your life have been fulfilled? What do you appreciate about where and who you are right now?

Like the psalmist, we can be so busy looking around at everyone else that we miss the good God is doing in our own lives. It may not be as glamorous or grandiose as what someone else is showcasing, and it may not have come as a result of the manifesting that culture encourages us to do. However, the good that God is doing for you is still good.

In this season, don’t miss God’s goodness. I know you’re waiting on Him to do something else. I know there are things you are hoping for. But don’t overlook what He’s doing right now. It might not be what you want, but He’s active. He’s present. He’s attentive. He’s helping. And He’s sustaining you.

Comparison not only steals joy; it diminishes faith. This is one reason why gratitude is such a vital practice. The Bible doesn’t encourage us to be grateful and always have a heart of thanksgiving because it caters to God’s ego. We’re encouraged to practice gratitude and thanksgiving because they keep us content.

They keep us mindful. Desiring more is not a sin, but they keep us from desiring more simply for the sake of having more or in competition with someone else. Instead, gratitude and thanksgiving keep us present in the moment as we anticipate the future.

“Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache… Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture…” (vv. 16-17)

When you place your own parameters and measures of goodness onto God and what He does for you or in your life, goodness becomes complicated. It becomes something you search for rather than lean into. It becomes a phenomenon you analyze rather than a blessing you appreciate. According to the psalmist, proximity grants a clearer view.

If you’re looking for goodness in your life, look at God. Look at where He is moving in your life. Look at where you are now in comparison to where you once were. Pay attention to how your mindset has shifted and how your prayers have changed. Get close to Him, and pray for His perspective on where you are.

Reflection:

1. How might you be missing God’s goodness in this season?
2. When you look for evidence of God’s goodness, what exactly do you look for?

Blessing:

May you be mindful and attentive in this season.

And on the days you’re busy looking the other way,

May He give you the grace to refocus on Him.