4 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:4)
I remember moving to Northeast Ohio and feeling like a pariah. Sure, it was 45 minutes north of “home” but the attitudes and culture are lightyears apart. Raised in the country, then making my way to a progressive college setting, I was now lost in the suburbs where urban sprawl lays waste to idealism and youthful ambition. As ridiculous as it sounds, I knew what it was like to be a sojourner in a strange city.
Believe it or not, talking to people is difficult for me. Recently I ran into a family I knew while at the grocery store. Immediately I was faced with the decision to engage or not. Its strange how surprised we are when our errands run congruent with those from other social circles. It got me thinking about Psalm 105. Sometimes, to seek God means to seek him in others. Outside buildings and program and inside the glorious everyday grind. Faith in isolation is a form of self-worship. Our core is made to connect, hurt, and depend on one another. Remembering a time where I could go out and not be recognized has humbled me. To be known is a true gift from our Lord. To have influence is greater still. Jesus is always calling us to deeper relationship – awkward and uncomfortable.
As you seek the presence of the Lord, seek also the presence of others.
Matt simon blog 