by Linda Veath Cox

Bigstock BTI was panic-stricken! I couldn’t find my puppy. He had to be in the house somewhere, but I had looked everywhere. Behind the sofa and beds. Under the sofa and beds. In the closets. Inside the recliner. Anywhere and everywhere I thought a little puppy could go. Yet no amount of looking or calling, “BoomerBoomerBoomer,” brought results.

Then as I charged down the hall toward the bedrooms once again, I felt as if “someone” was looking at me. I came to a screeching halt, slowly backed up, and peeked through the open doorway of the study. There, sitting comfortably in the desk chair, was Boomer, watching me go up and down the hallway, no doubt thinking “What is she doing? I’m right here.”

I just shook my head and laughed. And laughed again, as I realized this was a teachable moment.

I don’t mean to be irreverent in comparing God to a puppy in a chair, but I wonder how many times God is sitting on His thrown in heaven looking down at us as we scurry about, wondering “What is she (or he) doing? I’m right here.”

Just like Boomer was right there quietly watching me, God is right here watching us, patiently waiting for us to look to Him. His face is shining down on us wherever we are, whatever we are doing, 24-7. The warmth of His love—a love so strong and everlasting that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins—surrounds us with His presence and His forgiveness. He is waiting. Waiting for us to spend time with Him. Right here. Right now.

When we do, we’ll feel His blessing upon us. His protection surrounding us. His mercy and grace freeing us. And His peace comforting us. Forever.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.

~ Numbers 6:24-26 NIV