By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

When God Shows Up

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link. 

“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.”
Psalm 42:7 English Standard Version

Have you ever had a spiritually dry time in your life, a time when God seemed far away and grief was your only companion?  In the beginning of this psalm the writer says, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God… my tears have been my food day and night…”  Perhaps this is at the death of a loved one or in the midst of a broken relationship or a time of physical pain or depression.  Whatever the case, you may feel all alone, deserted by God and all other people.

And then, unexpectedly, God shows up.  I know that God was there in the midst of your suffering all along, but suddenly you become aware of His love and mercy and presence.  In the midst of the grief, the pain, the sorrow, the suffering, you are flooded by the grace of God.  It brings tears to your eyes, a deep gasp as if you had suddenly just plunged into deep water.  Suddenly you realize, “I am not alone, God is not against me, He is for me.  There is still hope in Him.”

In Jesus Christ God has entered into this world of suffering and pain and loss and plunges us into a love relationship with Him.  With no warning and no goodness within me, I am suddenly made aware that in Jesus there is salvation and hope, even in the midst of the desert.   To come upon a life giving waterfall in the midst of the desert is an amazing thing.  How much more when you and I encounter the life giving grace of God, just when we least expect it.

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to me in the midst of my sorrow and suffering and overwhelming me with your great love.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado