GRACE GAZETTE
Volume IIssue 9
Published occasionally for Zion’s mourners
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12::12-13

WHERE IS HE?

I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.
Song of Solomon 5:6

There are many religious men and women who have no idea of what Solomon is talking about. It is very common to hear the exclamation "my god" used as a term of amazement or to emphasize ones exasperation. This is an awful expression which should not be used by the men of this world let alone the children of GOD. The other day, I overheard a conversation in which a lady made the statement that she believed in "her god". Now there is a sense in which it is proper and even scriptural to refer to GOD as "my GOD"(see Ex 15:2). I do not want to judge what this lady meant by her statement but I do know that many religious people call GOD, their god as if HE were "their dog", "their house", or some other possession over which they have control. Only when a person is introduced to the "true and living GOD" does such an idea seem preposterous. Nebuchadnezzar learned this fact and exclaimed, "And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and HE doeth according to HIS will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay HIS hand, or say unto HIM, What doest thou?" (Dan 4:35) Job had a similar experience that taught him who GOD really is.(see Job 42;1-5) Once we become acquainted with HIM we learn that HE is not always at our beck and call even though our love for HIM is real and HIS love for us is without measure(see Eph 2:4;Rom 8:35-39).

How often it is that we seek after the LORD but we have difficulty finding HIM or hearing from HIM. Sometimes we pray but we have no answer. Sometimes we worship, but we do not feel HIS approval. Sometimes we praise but it seems like such a motion of the flesh. We are sometimes longing for HIS leadership but we receive none. Sometimes we want to be used by HIM for HIS kingdom's sake but we wander aimlessly and bear no fruit. Why does HE "hide" from us? I think the answer is in the word "sometimes". The LORD delights himself in us constantly. (see S.of Sol.4:9-15). He expects and desires that we should do the same. HIS devotion to us never falters and never fails but sometimes HE removes HIMSELF from us so that we can learn to value that devotion. What causes the LORD to hide HIMSELF from us?

"Sometimes" our affections are set on other things. One of the ten commandments is "Thou shalt have no other gods before ME". This is indicative of the singleness of mind which the LORD expects from HIS people. Now that we are no longer under the curse of the law we are to be even more zealous in not letting "things" capture our hearts.(see Col.3:1-3)

"Sometimes" our love for HIM grows cold. When we consider all that CHRIST has done for us and how much he is devoted to our wellbeing it is a shame that we should ever fail to value it as our most prized possession. We should never tire of expressing our love to HIM in word and deed. (see Rev.2:4)

"Sometimes" our hearts are hardened and we do not answer when HE calls. The Psalmist said, "Today if you will hear HIS voice, harden not your heart" (Ps.95:7,8). The wicked are described in the scriptures as those with hardened hearts; yet it is possible and all too often a reality that those who know the LORD "sometimes" turn a deaf ear to HIS word and SPIRIT. This behavior is understandable in the unregenerate but is a terrible travesty among the redeemed.

"Sometimes" we become stiff-necked and will not follow HIS teaching. Much of that which the LORD has taught us is a bitter pill to swallow for our flesh. That we should pray for our enemies and bless those that persecute us is a hard example to follow. That we should leave vengeance unto the LORD is "sometimes" more than we can bear. We are not in a position to pick and choose what part of our LORDS teaching we will follow. But we are given the mind of CHRIST (see I Cor.2:16) so that we should not act like those who disregard the word of GOD. (see Acts 7:51).

"Sometimes" we are slumbering when we should be awake. The LORD, admonished HIS disciples "watch ye and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, the spirit truly is ready but the flesh is weak." (Mk.14:38). We are to be very diligent in waging war with our adversaries, both, within (i.e. our flesh) and without (i.e. the powers of darkness) lest we be overcome.

"Sometimes" we take the LORD for granted. We seldom realize the value of true blessings until we are forced to do without them. Many times we take the LORD'S presence for granted just like we do the wagging of our dog's tail when we come home. We think HE will always be around whenever we get ready for HIM or if we have some pressing need. But the LORD does not desire to become commonplace to us. He wants us to value HIS presence just like HE values us. HE will not be relegated to the role of co-pilot or be our little helper. HE will not allow us to dictate the terms of our relationship to HIM. HE will call and we will answer. "My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."(John 10:27,28)

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