A little fish came to the wise old big fish with a troubling question.
“Okay,” he said. “I understand sand. I can see it below me. I know about rocks, and how to hide among them. And I know what plants are. But where’s this ocean everybody’s always talking about?” Because he was in the ocean, and a part of it, he had no awareness of the water in and around him. If he had somehow managed to jump out of the water, he would very quickly have recognized what he was missing. He wouldn’t survive very long out of his native element. He was created to breathe underwater.
Do you ever have days where you feel like a fish out of water, gasping to catch your spiritual breath? This happens to me when I miss my quality time with God in the morning. Oh, I may spend time “in the chair,” but my thoughts aren’t focused on God. My attitude is “off.” I feel out of touch. Things I usually enjoy have become a struggle.
I know God’s presence hasn’t left me. He has promised He will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Though I know this, I feel like the little fish. Where is this presence of God everyone is talking about? Recognizing the problem is the first step in solving it, so once I realize I’m not experiencing the fullness of joy that comes with really being present with Him (Psalm 16:11), my next step is to readjust my thinking. I talk to God about my bouncing thoughts. I read the Bible out loud instead of silently to help stay focused. I take moments throughout the day to realign my thoughts with the Word of God.
When I’m trying to stay focused, distracting thoughts are almost certain to intrude. They may be good thoughts, but at that moment they’re distractions. Instead of worrying that I’ll forget them, I jot them down for later and get right back to focusing on God.
How comforting to find myself once again swimming freely through my activities, enjoying each thing as I do it. I love the assurance that God’s goodness and mercy are following me (Psalm 23:6), and I am right where He wants me to be – “back in the water.”
Would you like to experience a church service where the worship and teaching is designed to help you focus on God’s presence? Then come and visit us at Charis Christian Church, 4811 E. Julep St., Suite 101, in Mesa.