Reality Matters!

I was at my computer the other day – its keys making sweet music, when I heard the sound of footsteps. My study is at the front of our home – in fact, it's in the perfect spot! I am the one (of us three who live at this address) who's most at home – and my study is right next to our front door, so I can answer the doorbell with ease, receive parcels and be a sort of glorified receptionist in our home! That day, I stopped what I was doing and listened. Yes, there it was again. The sound of footsteps. Was it a visitor? A salesman? A meter reader?

I stood up, pulled aside my curtain and peered out. And … what did I spy with my little eye? Yes! There were two, two legged creatures! But not the kind who wore trousers or skirt or dress. These two strutted joyfully on our pavers. Two little sparrows! They pirouetted and played, chirped and sang. I smiled. Those little birds were not whom I had envisioned. It was in fact a reminder to me, that often what I think and what reality is, can be two very different things. Know what I mean?

What is reality? Is it what we see with our eyes and experience with our senses? Or do we need a deeper perception in order to understand it? I have been blessed by the teaching of Dallas Willard, Richard Foster and others of their calibre. Dallas and his wife Jane were deeply disturbed (and rightly so) that moral knowledge had disappeared from our institutions of learning. 

Anyone can get a first Degree or Masters or PhD but with zero knowledge that the God who created the universe exists and holds all things together. Surely that should not be? Just because moral knowledge cannot be known by our senses it doesn't mean it is invalid or untrue. Don't you think that as we experience God's world and learn to live in it, the Eternal One who created the Universe should be acknowledged?

Every morning, I enjoy beautiful nature videos as I spend time with my Father – these videos contain inspiring worship melodies and potent words from scripture that bless me. They woo me closer to Jesus. Recently I discovered that the very gifted creator of these videos has begun to use AI to produce images of nature in some of his newer videos. They too are lovely – but in contrast to the real deal, they fall far short. Give me the actual deal in nature any day! Conjured up pictures can bring pleasure but it's very different to the joy of the deeper beauty out there. Reality Matters!

The same is true about God. We can enjoy the gifts He bestows without knowing Him. But once we taste and discover who He is, our lives are never the same again. And we desire more of Him. He is the River that will never run dry, the One who quenches our thirst. He is Living Water that brings life!

So here are three questions for us to reflect on, whatever our world view:

• What is reality? Can I experience all of reality with my five senses alone?
• Is there a God who exists and does He desire to communicate with us?
• Can I scientifically prove there is a God? If not, does it mean God does not exist?

And three for those who know Jesus as Saviour, Friend, Teacher and Lord:

• Am I living in a kingdom I can see and touch only or also in the invisible kingdom of God?
• Do my tough seasons open my eyes to what's most important and bring me closer to Jesus?
• What reality is God is teaching me today as I experience life in this moment?

Often we make judgements and perceptions that are inaccurate – based only on the world around us. God's kingdom is not one that can be seen except with our spiritual eyes. What seems to be truth could be an imposter wearing a dark camouflage of subterfuge. Reality Matters! Truth exists and can be found. Truth is in fact a Person. The fundamental reality of the cosmos we reside in, is that there is a God who deeply loves us, His creation. The reality is that He desires intimacy with you and me.

It's often only in retrospect that we can trace the Hand of God. Take for instance, seasons I found challenging. They were very hard to navigate. I sometimes asked God why He let me suffer so much. But … the fruit of those seasons were rich gifts, like pretty garlands around my neck. So ... hardships were like unwelcome rains that made life muddy and messy, but in the end, birthed beautiful blooms. A bad season was actually a good one! A wonderful Paradox! And one to take heed of, through every dark season! And so dear friend, if you are facing a difficult season, I am so sorry! May God comfort you. But do remember. Blessings often come disguised as problems. And as we seek God during those tough moments, we just might find Him and even find life abundant. 

May His grace cover you today and give you hope and peace as you seek Him.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly. JESUS John 10:10

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 John 1:2