Be still and know that I am God
Some of you will recognize these words are from Psalm 42:10, one of my favorite psalms. Maybe one of yours, too.
Why? The one word in Hebrew is translated with the two words in English: “Be still.” Which really means, “Let go.” “Relax.” “Release control.”
In other words, stop trying to find God.
Why? It isn’t necessary. Besides, you cannot find what is not lost. Knowing God takes nothing more than real repentance – which, Biblically means “to change how you think.” Repentance is not the phony, emotional stuff perpetrated in the “revivalist” traditions of my youth, and much of Christian history since the eighteenth century. This kind of “repentance” is needed at every revival meeting. And, it’s long-term spiritual effects never lasted long enough before another revival was needed to reconnect those who never seemed capable of living with a continual sense of the Presence of God.
In the end, my friend, the question, “How do I find God?” is the wrong question and actually born of an inadequate theology. God is in you already. If Jesus’ life and death and teachings make anything clear it is this: the veil is torn (Matt. 27:51)…the wall of separation is all an illusion, has been an illusion, and will always be an illusion.
Practice this truth and, in time, you will discover that your old ways of thinking will undergo a miraculous metamorphosis – it’s called “salvation” in the Bible – you will make the inexplicable discovery that the Presence you seek is the person you are. Think about this for a while. You might just decide this is a “salvation” you can believe in. And, proclaim.