God’s Surprising Presence

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it!"

Genesis 28:16

Have you ever had an experience like that of Jacob? I'm not thinking so much of his dream as I am of his surprised recognition that "the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it." Sometimes God's presence is hidden from us, either because of God's sovereign choice or because of our own lack of perception. In those times it can feel as if God is not with us. We might even doubt him or his goodness. Yet, like Jacob, when we look back, we can see the unmistakable signs that allow us to say "the Lord is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it."

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Can you remember a time when you came to realize that God had been present in your life in a surprising way? How is God present in your life right now in ways you might easily overlook?

PRAYER: Thank you, gracious God, for being with us. Thank you for being with us even in times when we can't perceive you. Thank you for the joy of looking back upon our lives and seeing your surprising presence in dark and dry places.

Help us to live this day with the confidence that you are with us. Give us eyes to see what you are doing, so that we might join in your work. Amen.