In this ongoing series, we will be looking closely at what lessons we can learn from Solomon about how to have the kind of relationship with God that He desires for us to have. I urge you to take the time to meditate upon each Truth presented; to ask God to make each lesson REAL to you and to take quiet time to prayerfully ponder each point and what it means to YOU! To visit the archive of past LESSONS ON RELATIONSHIP FROM SOLOMON, please see
www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/folder_3/lessons_on_relationship_from_solomon
Lesson on Relationships From Solomon, Lesson 22
Unit 3: The Truth About Where God Is
Part 2: How to Find God
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
In last week's lesson, focusing on Song of Solomon 2:8-10, we discovered that God is NEVER far away! When we cry out to Him, He comes running to us like a gazelle over the hills. Now let's take a look at just HOW we're supposed to call out to Him:
"The syllables of your name murmur like a meadow brook. No wonder everyone loves to say your name!" (Song 1:3b from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
Remember that creek you camped beside last summer? The one whose constant call lulled you to sleep? Did you know that that creek was repeating, over and over again, the name of Jesus? And what about the singing of the birds that woke you up before you wanted to be awake? Did you know they were calling out the name of Jesus? Well maybe it was in birdish and
brookese. But the Bible tells us that "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard." (Ps 19:1-3)
Most of us don't necessarily hear the name of God in nature, unless we are really tuned into the Lord at the moment. The day I read this verse, I decided to try. I went out for my regular morning run, and instead of allowing my mind to wander at will, I focused on the sounds of nature. I heard the chatter of the birds, the rustle of wind in the trees, but I didn't hear the name of Jesus. So I prayed: "Lord, why I couldn't hear nature proclaiming Your name?"
His answer made it clear: "You are too far away from me!"
But wait a minute. How could I be far from God? I WAS praying! I WAS listening for His voice! Then I realized that I was simply doing it as an experiment. I wasn't, at that moment, seeking Him, desiring to be with Him, walking with Him! Immediately I repented of my experimental attitude, and I started praising Him and calling upon His name. As I did so, I was impressed to focus on the sounds of nature again, and I listened to the song of the birds. I began to praise God for the intricacy of His creation. And God responded. Suddenly, the once-common chattering of squirrels and twittering of birds filled me with a sense of awe. I wasn't running down a country road, I was barging in upon a worship service! I can't explain to you how this affected me, but I was so filled with love and admiration for my Lord and Savior at that moment, that I didn't want it to end! In just a few seconds, I went from experimentally listening to the birds to walking with God!
Focusing on God's creations and praising Him brings you into a closer walk with Him! When you truly WALK in a friendship/relationship with the Lord, you will see and hear things differently. Common chatter will become words of praise. Everyday tasks will become special ways of showing God's love to those around you. Try it, my friend! I promise you that after this type of an exercise, you will NEVER again complain at that crow that wakes you up at 4:30 A.M. on your camping trip!
Enough to ponder for today. Please DO ponder this though, my friends. Ponder that though it may seem like He is, God is NEVER far away. One way to once again feel near to God is to focus on His nature, giving Him praise for the wonders He has done in nature, in the world around you, and in your life!
Next Saturday's lesson begins a 4 part concluding summary on the truth about where God is and how to find Him. Join us next Saturday for Lessons on Relationships From Solomon, Lesson 23!
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets ( www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons ), Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .