God, I Want MoreНамуна

Ask a fish to describe water, and he’d likely look puzzled and say, “Water? What is that?”

Because water is so ever-present, so constant, it’s practically invisible to the fish that swims in it. Until, of course, the moment he bites onto an enticing lure, feels the tug, and suddenly finds himself flopping on dry land.

If the fisherman mercifully tosses him back, the fish would realize instantly what a gift water had been all along. It surrounded him, sustained him, filled his life with movement, freedom, and joy. Water wasn’t just something he lived in—it was everything.

Just like that fish who can’t see the water around him, we sometimes struggle to truly grasp the nearness and goodness of our God.

Thankfully, the Bible is filled with rich metaphors to help us understand. He is the Living Water, quenching our deepest thirst; the Bread of Life, nourishing our souls. He’s our loving Parent, our mighty King, and the Shepherd guiding our way.

Best of all, He is Emmanuel—God with us. Our constant companion, he’s always available, providing exactly what we need right when we need it.

No matter the circumstance or the need, he is there:

• When we don’t know what decision to make
• When a loved one lets us down
• When the bills are overdue
• When technology overwhelms

Sometimes I think we should pull up an extra chair at the table to remind ourselves he is really that close—ready to engage with us throughout each day.

Embracing this truth changes everything. Imagine . . .

• How effective every action could be when it flows from his wisdom
• How much lighter our disappointments might feel when wrapped in his love
• How stress would melt away as he shares our burdens
• How our confidence would grow as we walk with him moment by moment

The world encourages us to be independent, self-made, defining happiness our way and chasing it however we can.

But we have a better way. We have a God who is ever-present, always caring, and eager to meet our every need.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for always being with me, even when I forget. Help me notice you and turn to you throughout this day.

Thankfully, learning to be more aware of God’s presence is a habit we can all practice and enjoy. Tomorrow, we’ll explore three simple steps to noticing God throughout the day.