Daily Devotion - Monday, February 22

Trusting God Who Is Often Disguised

“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
--Psalm 143. 8

Jean-Pierre de Caussade wrote Abandonment to Divine Providence. The book is a collection of letters that fall under the general theme of “trusting God who is often disguised.” These days the frequent ring of conversation focuses on the seemingly unending snowfalls of 2010. As is always the case, there are a variety of ways to view our long, white winter.

The snowfalls have been heavy and there have been many aching shoulders and backs. It is easy to complain. But the heavy snow also created a wonderful picture when the snow descended in its downward dance to rest on the welcoming pine tree limbs. It could be called one of those “disguises” of the Divine.

God comes to us in the present moment, utilizing all sorts of disguises. Some, like the snowfall, can be called wonderful or beautiful. Other disguises have had the label of “misfortune”, “disaster”, “humiliating circumstance”, “a dark moment”, “something ordinary”. Truly God is present in every moment of life. The important thing is learning to trust that reality.

Each of us would love to hear of God’s steadfast love every morning, but some days the disguise looks far different and it is difficult to trust. We struggle with “disguises” that are difficult. We may feel abandoned by the Divine. May we sense God’s steadfast love through the words and deeds we experience. Have a good day and week!

--Ben Keckler
02.22.10