God is Here

~~~ 2 Kings 2:1, 6-11 ~~~ Psalm 31 ~~~ Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18 ~~~

The bases are loaded...God has them all covered...you are up to bat...you cannot miss the ball...a home run is within your realm of possibilities.

That is exactly what comes to mind as I reflect on today's readings. They are two very different extreme readings. God wants us to see that he is in every part of our lives. He wants us to see him in the 'whirlwind'...'parting waters'...'flaming chariots'...'behind closed doors'...'hidden in silence'.

Whatever you could imagine happening in your life God is there.

When I read about Elijah being drawn up to heaven in a 'whirlwind' I cannot help but recall the many scenes of tornadoes. Tornadoes pick up everything in their path, destroying and splintering whatever is in their way.

But even out of this devastating destruction; we hear stories of how God was present keeping people safe from harms way. Sometimes the stories are truly amazing, maybe only one small piece of a structure remains standing in the middle of complete annihilation.

God is making a really bold statement here with Elijah's flaming chariot and horses.

Elisha has no doubt; his prayers were answered. He would indeed be granted his prayer request for a 'double portion' of the spirit.

The psalmist encourages us to remember...

"Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord."

The gospel gives us the stark contrast.

"...when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,
and pray to your Father in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

I personally feel more comfortable praying in an inner room.

But I do recognize that praising God through vibrant song and even dance is also acceptable. There are as many ways to pray as there are people to pray.

Earlier in the first book of Kings:

"Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound.

When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, Why are you here, Elijah?"

(1 Kings 19:11-13)

Even in the midst of whirlwinds and flames God comes as a whisper or even in the silence of you inner room....your heart.

Listen for his voice even when you think you cannot hear it.

God is here...He has all the bases covered!