As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  Psalm 42:1

One day during my walk through a wooded area, I looked up to find myself about 30 feet from a deer that was feasting on some sort of plant. I was startled by how suddenly it seemed to appear. This deer didn’t act afraid of me. Quietly it ate and then gently moved on. I was deeply moved by the deer’s beauty and serenity. Its unexpected appearance made me realize that God is always nearby, watching over me.

When anxiety, fear, and doubt slip into my heart and mind, I sometimes forget about God’s power. I don’t feel confident that I know God’s plan for me, and I don’t understand when it seems that God is not responding to my prayers. Then I stop to consider that as Romans 8:28 says, God is working, moving, shaping, and using everything in our lives for ultimate good, and my perspective changes. I realize that God is neither bound by my inability to see or trust nor frightened by my doubt, fear, and flaws. Instead, God quietly invites me to draw near; that’s where God wants me to be.

Dear Father, awaken our senses to recognize your presence wherever we go today. Help us to be convinced that because you love us you are with us. Amen.