Jun 29, 2015

Sharing the journey with you

Pastor Scott Hausrath

North Loup, NE

Tackling misconceptions about God is so important, because they are so damaging. It’s critical to discuss what God has not said.

It’s also important to be reminded of what God has said, because we are so often distracted from the foundational truths of God. With this in mind, let me share with you a few truths about God and His connection with us…

God crafted us

All of us have read the creation accounts in the first couple chapters of Genesis, so we know that God made us. Are we aware, however, that God crafted each of us as an individual? In David’s conversation with God, as recorded in verses 13–14 of Psalm 139, he says this: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

To craft something means to make it with skill, and with careful attention to detail. Too often we try to value ourselves by asking the question “What do I bring to the table?” It’s important to be reminded that our value is founded in our presence, not our performance. Society values us based on our actions. God values us based on His actions. Since He crafted each of us in His own image, each of us is of infinite worth.

God is connected to us

It makes sense that since God put intentional, focused effort into crafting each of us, He experiences a deep connection with us. This connection is seen in the fact that He knows us. In verses 1–4 of Psalm 139, David says this: You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. Our knowledge of a person connects us to that person. God’s intimate knowledge of each of us strengthens His bond with us.

We also see God’s connection to us through His presence with us. Continuing David’s thoughts from Psalm 139, we read this in verses 7-10: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle

on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. God doesn’t follow us around like a creepy stalker, asserting His control over us. His constant presence is an expression of the pride He takes in us. As a parent with His child, God experiences joy in sharing His life with us.

God is concerned about us

Who are the people about whom you are most

concerned? Isn’t it those people with whom you are most connected? Whether our connection with someone is based on familial ties, a work relationship, or

an affinity group, a strong connection breeds a strong concern. Since God experiences a deep connection with us, He also has a deep concern for us.

We generally use the term love when we are discussing God’s deep concern. Scripture tells us over and over again that God loves us:

I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love. (Psalm 52:8)

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” (Hosea 11:1)

God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5)

So foundational is God’s love for us that it describes not only His activity, but also His identity: God is love.

(1 John 4:16)

Our amazing God has crafted each of us in His own image. Do we truly understand what this says about how valuable we are? Because of His deep connection with us, God shares His life and love with each of us. Do we share our life with Him? How can we strengthen our love for Him?