In the Cool of the Day
One of the saddest moments in history is when God came into the garden to walk with Adam and Eve and they hid from him (Gen 3:8). They hid from him! I groan thinking of how that felt for God. I know it wasn’t good for our oldest ancestors either–they felt fear and shame for the first time and they ran from God. Take a moment to close your eyes and put yourself in their shoes and I imagine you will recognize feelings you have felt before. For the first time sin separated God and man (Isa 59:2). However, though respect for himself forced God to drive Adam and Eve from the garden and barr the way to the Tree of Life with the cherub and his flaming sword, God did not fully cut man off from him. Even while punishing man and woman (and serpent), Yahweh set forth terms of redemption (Gen 3:15). From then until now God has ever remained close to every man, woman and child, and is not far away from any one of us now (Acts 17:27).
Those of us who are Christians have had our fellowship with God restored through Christ (Rom 5:10-11). We are new creatures belonging to the new creation (John 3:3-5) and enjoy true relationship with God through Jesus even while we await the unveiling of the new heavens and new earth at Christ’s return (2 Pet 3:13). Though we do not yet see God, we have fellowship with him in as full a sense as Adam and Eve did in Eden–or, at least we can.
I wonder, when God comes to enjoy your company in the cool of the day, does he find you there welcoming him? Does he find you there ready to commune with him, or do you run away and hide in sports, television, computer, or some other diversion? Don’t run from God and don’t hide! Time with God in personal communion with him (including Bible study, prayer, and devoted silent meditation -Ps 46:10; Hab 2:20) is exactly what you need to be happy! God isn’t far from any of you. He’s already there calling out, “Where are you?” Reach out and take his hand, grope for him and you will find him. Having the relationship with God that he wants and you need takes very little knowledge and no money. It just takes a little time and effort. You won’t know true peace and happiness without him. Go ahead and test, and see if this is true.
Feel free to respond with words of encouragement for us all about spending time with God.
—JLP
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I really enjoyed reading this article. I don’t think that many people understand meditation. It has been associated with eastern religion (a counterfit). In reading scripture, Jesus spent many hours alone and I believe this to be part of his prayer life but also in communion that can only be associated with the Holy Spirit in meditation. The Bible says that we are to worship in Spirit and in Truth. Part of that worship is meditating on the scripture and how it applies to our life. The New Testament is our covenant but there is much wisdom in the Old Testament scripture as well. In our communion, I believe that the Holy Spirit communicates to our hearts and verified by the word. Thanks Joshua.
Thanks to you for reading and commenting, Randy. May God bless you!
—JLP