Finding God In A Quiet Universe
Preaching
Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees
And 149 Other Sermon Ideas
Purpose Statement: Most Christians would admit to difficulty in experiencing the presence of God in their lives.
If it is true that it is not always easy to feel God's presence, and if it is important to know God in some relationship, it behooves clergy occasionally to preach on finding God. Job 23 speaks for many Christians if they are honest about their concerns. Verses 2, 8, and 9 express the frustration of where and how to find God. Perhaps since we have created a very noisy world for ourselves, the noise crowds God out. We have traffic noises, radio and television on constantly, and what passes for music playing all around us. Some of us are afraid of or do not know what to do with uncluttered quiet time. If God seems too silent for us, we may have been given a clue as to how to find God. An amusing passage comes from Revelation. Chapters 6 and 7 describe the opening of the seven seals of heaven. There are galloping horses, violent earthquakes, and shouting people. And after all of the commotion, the seventh seal is opened (8:1) and there was "silence in heaven for about half an hour." That says volumes. Tradition tells us we find God three ways (someone could come up with a doctrine and we could call it, perhaps, the trinity):
a. We find God in the creation. I am overwhelmed with God's presence in the wonder of the universe. Psalm 8 expresses it well. What astronomy tells me about the staggering grandness of space with its quiet galaxies and stars leaves me awestruck. Both in space and time the universe is amazing and yet very quiet for us. We are told, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). The wonder and magnificence of nature should lead us to worship. The beauty of flowers, clouds, mountains, oceans, canyons, and animals should leave us in awe. The joy of music, the love of people, and the comfort of good food and rest should stir emotions of profound thanks and appreciation. The little boy was impressed with the nature guide's ability to see animal tracks, seeds, and wonders of the woods. So he asked, "Can you also see God?" The guide answered, "I can't help seeing God."
b. We find God in Jesus. We all know the revelation of God found in the life and teachings of Jesus.
c. We experience God's spirit within us. 1 Kings 19:11-12 tells us God wasn't found in the roaring fire, or stormy wind, or crashing earthquakes, but in the soft whisper or still small voice. Through prayer and meditation, we find that quiet, inner voice, that warmth and peace, that stirring of the heart, the feeling of love that is God.
If it is true that it is not always easy to feel God's presence, and if it is important to know God in some relationship, it behooves clergy occasionally to preach on finding God. Job 23 speaks for many Christians if they are honest about their concerns. Verses 2, 8, and 9 express the frustration of where and how to find God. Perhaps since we have created a very noisy world for ourselves, the noise crowds God out. We have traffic noises, radio and television on constantly, and what passes for music playing all around us. Some of us are afraid of or do not know what to do with uncluttered quiet time. If God seems too silent for us, we may have been given a clue as to how to find God. An amusing passage comes from Revelation. Chapters 6 and 7 describe the opening of the seven seals of heaven. There are galloping horses, violent earthquakes, and shouting people. And after all of the commotion, the seventh seal is opened (8:1) and there was "silence in heaven for about half an hour." That says volumes. Tradition tells us we find God three ways (someone could come up with a doctrine and we could call it, perhaps, the trinity):
a. We find God in the creation. I am overwhelmed with God's presence in the wonder of the universe. Psalm 8 expresses it well. What astronomy tells me about the staggering grandness of space with its quiet galaxies and stars leaves me awestruck. Both in space and time the universe is amazing and yet very quiet for us. We are told, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). The wonder and magnificence of nature should lead us to worship. The beauty of flowers, clouds, mountains, oceans, canyons, and animals should leave us in awe. The joy of music, the love of people, and the comfort of good food and rest should stir emotions of profound thanks and appreciation. The little boy was impressed with the nature guide's ability to see animal tracks, seeds, and wonders of the woods. So he asked, "Can you also see God?" The guide answered, "I can't help seeing God."
b. We find God in Jesus. We all know the revelation of God found in the life and teachings of Jesus.
c. We experience God's spirit within us. 1 Kings 19:11-12 tells us God wasn't found in the roaring fire, or stormy wind, or crashing earthquakes, but in the soft whisper or still small voice. Through prayer and meditation, we find that quiet, inner voice, that warmth and peace, that stirring of the heart, the feeling of love that is God.
