What kind of God do we trust?
Is He Personal or a cloud of divine stuff?
If Personal, then in what sense? An angry Father, selfish and demanding? A foreman, under pressure and understaffed? Does He wake us with a divine to-do list, drumming his fingers impatiently whilst we mess up our tasks?
Does He need us: to bolster his ego, to do stuff and supply what He lacks?
Do we need Him: or is salvation just a synonym for self-help?
Does He take from us – or does He give? Does He do so reluctantly, with one arm in His pocket?
Is there a limit to His giving? And what is its nature?
And what does He give? His stuff – or Himself?
What does He ask of us in return? Do we invite Him into our lives – or does He sweep us up into His?
These questions matter. Because if God’s a dictator, then we are just slaves.
If He’s a miser, we’re destined to starve.
If He’s needy, then we can never rest.
If all He’s got are gifts, then why bother with Him?
If He’s an optional extra, then I haven’t got time.
If He’s impersonal, then the world is a frightening place.
BUT.
If He’s brimful of blessings
If He’s a spreading loveliness of unparalleled grace
If He’s a generous Father
a loving Saviour
a heavenly Comforter
a giving, sharing, satisfied and satisfying relationship of divine love
Then life looks entirely different.
It’s hopeful. Meaningful. Glorious. Exciting. Often bewildering.
It’s a cosmic adventure, an incredible journey. An opportunity and a gift.
It matters. We matter. Above all, He matters.
And His beauty fills the earth.
Excellent! Great thoughts, Emma.