God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
Have you ever felt abandoned by God?
Have you ever felt a presence of God?
My experiences lead me to believe that abandonment is the feeling we have when the presence of God is happening in silence. Seismologists can confirm that the earth is always shifting or moving. Yet we seldom think about the earth “quaking” until the pictures fall off the wall!
In the quiet times of life, it can feel like God is absent. Be very still today, maybe the silence will speak! Maybe awareness will grow.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.11
Showing posts with label Presence of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Presence of God. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 9
God: Absent or Present
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
One of my teachers once said, “A simple, quiet presence can be enough to create a freeing distance that allows someone to discover an unexpected perspective on a seemingly hopeless situation.”
I like that statement. Quiet doesn’t equal absent. Silence can mean present. So if you are wondering about God’s presence, make sure you listen closely to the silence.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.10
“Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Test me and know my thoughts,
See if there is any wicked way in me
Lead me in the way everlasting.”
--Words of an old songwriter
Psalm 139:23, 24
One of my teachers once said, “A simple, quiet presence can be enough to create a freeing distance that allows someone to discover an unexpected perspective on a seemingly hopeless situation.”
I like that statement. Quiet doesn’t equal absent. Silence can mean present. So if you are wondering about God’s presence, make sure you listen closely to the silence.
--Ben Keckler
11.09.10
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 4
God Always Present
“Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?”
Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A prayer for times when life is filled with health and blessings:
When the wind blows
That is my medicine.
When it rains
That is my medicine
When it hails
That is my medicine.
When it becomes clear after a storm
That is my medicine.
For when I am healthy,
I sense God’s medicine in all that surrounds me.
--Ben Keckler
03.04.10
“Where can I go from God’s spirit?
Where can I flee from God’s presence?”
Questions raised by a songwriter (Psalm 139: 7)
A prayer for times when life is filled with health and blessings:
When the wind blows
That is my medicine.
When it rains
That is my medicine
When it hails
That is my medicine.
When it becomes clear after a storm
That is my medicine.
For when I am healthy,
I sense God’s medicine in all that surrounds me.
--Ben Keckler
03.04.10
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, February 3
Prelude to the Super Bowl
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
Yesterday we touched on some post-game comments made by players following our regular season loss to the Jets. Today I’d like to take you back to the 2007 Championship post-game.
Peyton Manning was asked by reporters if he was praying during the final minute of the game. “I don’t know if you are supposed to pray for stuff like that, but I said a little prayer,” Peyton replied.
In 2007 both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy quickly interjected their thoughts about how God played a role in the victory with words like, “I want to give all the glory to God.” I can’t help but wonder:
• Would we have heard the same words in a loss?
• Is God only on the side of the winner?
• What’s God got to do with it?
• Is God a micro-manager or a macro-manager or ….?
I certainly don’t have a problem giving thanks to God, in fact, I think thanksgiving to the Creator is always in order. My challenge comes when language appears to reflect special favoritism being bestowed upon a person, a group of persons or a city of God’s people.
I really like the words one of my fellow chaplains shared with me some years ago: “It’s all God!”
Friends, OUR COLTS are in the Super Bowl. We know they are the best team because they are OUR TEAM. I can’t wait to experience another GREAT game!
GO COLTS!!
--Ben Keckler
02.03.10
This week I’m giving some attention to the Super Bowl, offering a series of devotions titled, “Prelude to the Super Bowl.”
Yesterday we touched on some post-game comments made by players following our regular season loss to the Jets. Today I’d like to take you back to the 2007 Championship post-game.
Peyton Manning was asked by reporters if he was praying during the final minute of the game. “I don’t know if you are supposed to pray for stuff like that, but I said a little prayer,” Peyton replied.
In 2007 both Jim Irsay and Tony Dungy quickly interjected their thoughts about how God played a role in the victory with words like, “I want to give all the glory to God.” I can’t help but wonder:
• Would we have heard the same words in a loss?
• Is God only on the side of the winner?
• What’s God got to do with it?
• Is God a micro-manager or a macro-manager or ….?
I certainly don’t have a problem giving thanks to God, in fact, I think thanksgiving to the Creator is always in order. My challenge comes when language appears to reflect special favoritism being bestowed upon a person, a group of persons or a city of God’s people.
I really like the words one of my fellow chaplains shared with me some years ago: “It’s all God!”
Friends, OUR COLTS are in the Super Bowl. We know they are the best team because they are OUR TEAM. I can’t wait to experience another GREAT game!
GO COLTS!!
--Ben Keckler
02.03.10
Friday, November 20, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 20
Responses from Our Souls
“The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
--Psalm 46:11
This is a verse that everyone should ponder.
People of faith who claim to follow the teachings of the world’s monotheistic religions embrace this as a true and trustworthy statement. This brief sentence speaks volumes about God who has created this vast universe, challenging us to remember the big picture, “God is with us” in this wonderful world. This brief sentence suggests that we can find safety (refuge) in, with, and through this omnipresent God.
Conflict is rampant. From the internal conflict we experience in our own being to the conflicts of the international political arena, we can feel like there is no shelter. However, the Psalm writer concludes with this resounding statement of faith, claiming that there is a place to find safety, there is a place for refuge.
Many of us will conclude a week of hard work today. As we move through the weekend, whether at home or at work, please remember that God is with you and take refuge in that reality. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
11.20.09
“The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.”
--Psalm 46:11
This is a verse that everyone should ponder.
People of faith who claim to follow the teachings of the world’s monotheistic religions embrace this as a true and trustworthy statement. This brief sentence speaks volumes about God who has created this vast universe, challenging us to remember the big picture, “God is with us” in this wonderful world. This brief sentence suggests that we can find safety (refuge) in, with, and through this omnipresent God.
Conflict is rampant. From the internal conflict we experience in our own being to the conflicts of the international political arena, we can feel like there is no shelter. However, the Psalm writer concludes with this resounding statement of faith, claiming that there is a place to find safety, there is a place for refuge.
Many of us will conclude a week of hard work today. As we move through the weekend, whether at home or at work, please remember that God is with you and take refuge in that reality. Have a good day.
--Ben Keckler
11.20.09
Friday, November 6, 2009
Daily Devotion - Friday, November 6
23rd Psalm Meditations
The closing verse of the Psalm says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Two quotes for our final devotion on the Psalm 23:
1. Attributed to Levi Yitzhak of Beditchev
“Lord of the universe, I do not beg you to reveal to me
the secret of your ways, for who am I to know them?
But show me one thing,
show it to me more clearly and more deeply,
show me what this which is happening
at this very moment means to me,
what it demands of me,
what you, Lord of the world,
are telling me by way of it.
Dear God, I do not ask you to take away my suffering;
I don’t even want to know why I suffer;
But only this, my God;
Do I suffer for your sake?”
2. Attributed to Julian of Norwich
“God did not say,
‘Thou shall not be tempted,
Thou shall not be travailed,
Thou shall not be diseased.’
But God did say,
‘Thou shall not be overcome.’”
May goodness and mercy follow you throughout the day and the entire weekend.
--Ben Keckler
11.06.09
The closing verse of the Psalm says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Two quotes for our final devotion on the Psalm 23:
1. Attributed to Levi Yitzhak of Beditchev
“Lord of the universe, I do not beg you to reveal to me
the secret of your ways, for who am I to know them?
But show me one thing,
show it to me more clearly and more deeply,
show me what this which is happening
at this very moment means to me,
what it demands of me,
what you, Lord of the world,
are telling me by way of it.
Dear God, I do not ask you to take away my suffering;
I don’t even want to know why I suffer;
But only this, my God;
Do I suffer for your sake?”
2. Attributed to Julian of Norwich
“God did not say,
‘Thou shall not be tempted,
Thou shall not be travailed,
Thou shall not be diseased.’
But God did say,
‘Thou shall not be overcome.’”
May goodness and mercy follow you throughout the day and the entire weekend.
--Ben Keckler
11.06.09
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, November 5
23rd Psalm Meditations
Yesterday we talked about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today we are presented with a trio of statements about the shepherd’s caregiving. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.” Let’s approach this trio in two ways today.
First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.
Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (like medications, lotions, dressings, their meal at bedside); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).
As people dedicated to quality caregiving, let us continue to display the words of the Psalmist in our words and our work. May the grace of God flow through you today.
A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make that possible to me, O Lord, by grace which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
11.05.09
Yesterday we talked about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today we are presented with a trio of statements about the shepherd’s caregiving. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.” Let’s approach this trio in two ways today.
First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.
Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (like medications, lotions, dressings, their meal at bedside); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).
As people dedicated to quality caregiving, let us continue to display the words of the Psalmist in our words and our work. May the grace of God flow through you today.
A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make that possible to me, O Lord, by grace which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
11.05.09
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, November 4
23rd Psalm Meditations
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that we all experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened, depression, suicidal ideation—are a few of those valleys.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we can be just like an easily frightened lamb, we can feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know that when we are traveling in these difficult places that our Creator is present with rod and staff to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust the shepherd.
Have a better day today. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness.
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
11.04.09
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that we all experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened, depression, suicidal ideation—are a few of those valleys.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we can be just like an easily frightened lamb, we can feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know that when we are traveling in these difficult places that our Creator is present with rod and staff to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust the shepherd.
Have a better day today. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness.
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
11.04.09
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, November 3
23rd Psalm Meditations
Its only Tuesday morning and already we may be longing to experience the soothing words of Psalm 23. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” There are still many more hours in the week and the demands on each of us will be great.
As this autumn season unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and lingering hues in the trees. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don’t we?
The author of this song seems to say, “God leads me to the places he does and I know my shepherd is providing for my renewal. Yes, God is enabling me to recapture my energy and move ahead.” There are still many more hours this week. Listen closely and you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul.
A Prayer attributed to John Neale: “Lord, one day I will live with You where You are. May You live with me where I am now. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
11.03.09
Its only Tuesday morning and already we may be longing to experience the soothing words of Psalm 23. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” There are still many more hours in the week and the demands on each of us will be great.
As this autumn season unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and lingering hues in the trees. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don’t we?
The author of this song seems to say, “God leads me to the places he does and I know my shepherd is providing for my renewal. Yes, God is enabling me to recapture my energy and move ahead.” There are still many more hours this week. Listen closely and you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul.
A Prayer attributed to John Neale: “Lord, one day I will live with You where You are. May You live with me where I am now. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
11.03.09
Monday, November 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 2
23rd Psalm Meditations
Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance; they need to be watched and protected; they need to be encouraged. No one knows this better than the person who cares for sheep. This week’s Psalm is known as a Shepherd’s Psalm. It begins with the writer confessing his own likeness to sheep. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that my sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.”
Imagine a shepherd and his flock of sheep on the barren, rocky and dry countryside. It wouldn’t take long for a grassland to disappear with a flock of sheep. The life of the shepherd is a life of constant movement, searching for a place where grass and water can nurture his animals. It seems this could be quite difficult. Yet, the writer says with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.”
There are many things that can lead us away from primary causes of illness, let us rejoice that God is present to guide us. Have a blessed week, listening to the guiding voice within.
A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, “ask and it will be given you.” So I come and ask. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
11.02.09
Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance; they need to be watched and protected; they need to be encouraged. No one knows this better than the person who cares for sheep. This week’s Psalm is known as a Shepherd’s Psalm. It begins with the writer confessing his own likeness to sheep. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that my sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.”
Imagine a shepherd and his flock of sheep on the barren, rocky and dry countryside. It wouldn’t take long for a grassland to disappear with a flock of sheep. The life of the shepherd is a life of constant movement, searching for a place where grass and water can nurture his animals. It seems this could be quite difficult. Yet, the writer says with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.”
There are many things that can lead us away from primary causes of illness, let us rejoice that God is present to guide us. Have a blessed week, listening to the guiding voice within.
A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, “ask and it will be given you.” So I come and ask. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
11.02.09
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