“God doesn’t weigh His attention on the balance of need. He doesn’t have to. His attention is spacious. Limitless. . . . He holds hope while we hold only questions. As we limp through our days, wondering how the threads of our stories will find meaning, He holds together the disparate threads at the end of our story.”- Summer Joy Gross
“If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right had will hold me fast.”- Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)
In Chapter 8 (“God’s Desire for Your Nearness”) of The Emmanuel Promise, Summer Joy Gross notes that imperfect human love mars our brain’s ability to receive love. As a result, that stretches our ability to imagine a God who pursues us with unwavering desire.
Consequently, the author explains, we:
- think we must run after Him, waving our arms.
- believe we need to follow formulas and memorize Scriptures in order to point HIs attention in our direction.
- fear our secret sins force Him to remain hidden in a cosmic and crafty game of hide-and-seek.
- worry that if we’re found out, God will walk out and never come back.
In addition, Summer encourages, at times God positions people in our life to provide a vision of His pace. Hence, our calendar never puts a stranglehold on God. Nor do our clocks handcuff Him. Furthermore, we never find God racing against our human-determined finish line. Because He holds our centuries in the palm of His hand.
In conclusion, Summer offers these words of encouragement:
“Emmanuel is always knocking. Always available for connection. Always ready to . . . hear how the world looks through your eyes, holding your heavy stories and watching you as you pull up each joy and turn it over in your hand. It catches the light for a moment as you gaze together. . . .
You, my friend, hold a unique place in His heart. His passionate pursuit of you will never wane until He is holding you in His arms.”
Today’s question: How do you respond to Summer’s statement that He holds hope while we only hold questions? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “As easy as breathing”
