“But here’s the question we must ask if we seek a secure attachment with God. Has this concept of Emmanuel become so overfamiliar that it has become lodged in our logical left brain and is never given the capacity to form the basis of our security in the world? . . . Have we kept the promise of Emmanuel at a distance because of its familiarity?”- Summer Joy Gross
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD you God will be with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:6 (NIV)
Summer Joy Gross concludes her Introduction to The Emmanuel Promise as she encourages us to know more about our expectations around discipline and care. Because that helps us learn more about what we expect in our experience of God. For deep down, we believe that He’s busy elsewhere. Somewhere more important.
Therefore, Summer exhorts us to ask this question: Jesus, where are You in the room on my behalf? Hence, as C. S. Lewis wrote in Letters to Malcolm:
“We may ignore, but can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always hard to penetrate. The real labour is to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake.”
Consequently, at some point along the line, we need to answer these key questions. Did Jesus really mean it what He said about being with us always? Or did Jesus merely intend to throw inane comfort our way before He escaped into the heavenly realms?
Finally, Summer offers four practical steps as we start down the Emmanuel trail:
1. God is the initiator. He knocks — and we open.
2. Lean on Him. Above all, pray that God gives you the desire for Him. Because God gives every good and perfect gift, even the desire to grow.
3. Keep your pace slow. For, Summer notes, people grow best at the pace of relationship.
4. Find your people. Certainly, avoid falling into the trap of thinking you must do this work alone.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you seek a secure attachment to God? Please share.
Coming Monday: the July Short Meditation, “Find fresh hope and purpose”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Holding a little tin cup?”