The warm summer has allowed me to spend more time outdoors. My dogs always enjoy the chance to swim and sniff different scents. Being outdoors has helped me appreciate the beauty and goodness of the world and the God who created it. At higher elevations, wildflowers are blooming. They brighten the landscape and remind me of Jesus’ encouragement to care for wildflowers. I am convinced that by caring for flowers, God will care for His children.
Yet being outdoors is just one place where we can be reminded of God’s loving presence. There are many places and activities where we can connect with our Creator. Seeking these opportunities is essential to find guidance that will bring us spiritual growth and help us overcome life’s challenges. In times of stress and hostility, connecting with God brings comfort beyond understanding. In an increasingly inward-looking world, connecting with God provides an opportunity to express gratitude and worship. The Bible can help Christians find the places and the means to connect with God.
The Bible makes it clear that God is present in the community of believers. He wants to dwell among people: He walked with Adam in the garden, He tabernacled with the Israelites in the wilderness, His cloud filled Solomon’s temple, and, most importantly, He was incarnate in Christ.
Today, the promise of God’s presence is found in the community of believers. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” God dwells in the community of people who live according to Christian ethics and follow the example set by Jesus. Spiritual growth happens in the church. Believers are encouraged to put others before themselves and are offered support when needed.
The presence of God is found not only in the community of believers, but also through service to others. When Jesus’ disciples were arguing about who was the greatest, He stood a child among them and said, “Whoever receives one of these little children in my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives not me, but him who sent me” (Mark 9:37).
Jesus lifted up the baby because in the first century, children were among the most vulnerable – they were often ignored and overlooked – and Jesus’ point is that to care for and welcome the most vulnerable in society is to open ourselves to the presence of God.
In moments of service, believers experience their deepest connection with the Creator. In these moments, Christians live by the example of Jesus, who humbled himself as a servant and carried the cross for us. By helping others, people experience true communion with God. They find spiritual growth and peace throughout their lives.
We must seek out opportunities to experience God’s presence and not get stuck in one way: by thinking of wildflowers, gathering with other believers, serving those in need — by doing these things, Christians invite God into their lives.
Michael Herbert is an associate pastor at First Christian Church in Carson City.
