Experiencing God's Presence #231

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

Exodus 34:14, NIV

Jealousy is considered a negative emotion, even a harmful one. But it’s a natural response when one’s true love turns toward other affections. In an exclusive relationship, the nonexclusive love of a wandering heart hurts. In fact, a love that isn’t jealous in the face of betrayal isn’t a very strong love at all. Jealousy is a sign of deep caring.

Try meditating on God’s jealousy today. This holy God apparently burns with passion for His people (Zechariah 8:2). Think of the implications: what His jealousy says about His love for each of us, the intensity with which an infinite heart must feel, and what kind of response such jealousy provokes in us. When the depth of His love begins to sink in, so does the sense of His nearness.

In fact, this is a great exercise in Presence that can be done with any of God’s names. When we dwell on one of His names or attributes, the implications of His character begin to sink into our souls. We realize not only what God is like, we realize what He is like for us. His attributes become personal. We begin to notice how He has dealt with us and to feel His heartbeat in ways we’ve never felt it before. Every time you have a few moments to spare—waiting in line, in your drive time, in a waiting room—spend time dwelling on one of His characteristics. Closeness is established when we focus on who He is.

Lord, there are so many sides of You to experience. I want to know You as fully as I can—every aspect of Your character, every emotion of Your heart, every thought You have toward me. As I think about Your attributes, open my eyes to what they mean and what they reveal about You.

From the book