As some of you will know, transition plans that had been in place for the next while at our church have been changed. This means I am in the midst of my own personal retreat time (in the midst of continuing work responsibilities).
The phrase that has stuck in my mind is, “Gaze on God.” This morning it was not easy to do just that. Yesterday more than one event meant readjusting again and again. My first inclination is to make a plan, or to retreat into the worst case scenario. I think my first inclination is probably misplaced!
My gaze today has been prompted by Romans 11:33-36 (New Living Translation)
33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?35 And who has given him so much
that he needs to pay it back?36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
As I looked through some journals of previous years, I saw that same set of verses pop up. These were the verses that came to mind on July 18th, 2002 right after the funeral for my father-in-law, Al Cooper, who had passed away suddenly.
We wonder at circumstances – particularly those over which we have no control and for which we have no plan.
God, let me get a new glimpse of you today.
transitions, so I have been told can be the in between steps in our walk – leaving one area behind and journeying to the next area – the transition is the journey.- often fueled by circumstances.
For me it is a time to state “Be Still and Know I Am God’ and work at trusting God more. I like your word – “Gazing” – not a glance but watchful looking.