Where Is God?

As I look back at my life, while experiencing difficulties, I know I have asked the question "Where is God?" That is why this book, written by John Townsend, interested me--and I chose it from the Thomas Nelson Blogger Club.

When I go through difficult times--I need some answers. When those that I love struggle--I want to be able to point them in the right direction, while providing hope at the same time.

"You will be most successful in a tough life when you come to a point in which you place your trust in God's unseen care rather than what you see around you. Faith is the only way to keep difficult times from causing you to despair or give up."--Townsend

This book provides a firm foundational support, along with practical 'helps' when going through rough times.

Faith is trusting that an unseen God is constantly at work in our situation--and that He has our best interest at all times. Faith requires humility--"I may not know what is best for me--but He will turn this bad situation into something good, most often that is manifested in our spiritual relationship with Him.

Here are a few practical hints that I gleaned from the book.

--Stay in relationship--not only with God, but with others who care about you--especially during tough times. As stress increases, increase structured support. "Find your people and let them in!"

--Mark the experience--When God shows up and prayers are answered, celebrate, speak about it, journal and memorialize it. When we dwell on things that God has done for us in the past, our faith grows. We then KNOW He will come through for us in the future. This helps create a relational history.

--Move beyond a relationship with God based on 911 calls--although necessary at times, God wants to have a relationship that is not based on necessity and obligation. Move out of the 'have to spend time with God' and into the relationship of 'want to spend time with my Father.'

That last point is a 'biggie' for me. I was really forced to evaluate my attitude concerning my Quiet Times with God. Is it based more on 'Have tos and Shoulds' and guilt then being thrilled to spend time with my Creator, Father and Best Friend. No relationship thrives when we feel we have to spend time with someone--He is not shaking His fist at me--demanding my time. He waits patiently for me to come to Him. Love is not forced.