Don’t Even Think About It

We have a tendency to try to domesticate God. We keep building structures that cannot possibly contain the Absolute. Like attempting to put an infant’s onesie on a massive weightlifter (not a pretty sight), God does not fit in our churches or temples. Even less can we encapsulate the Ultimate in our concepts, precepts, ideas, doctrines or dogmas. We are unable to force or manipulate the Holy One to dance to our tune no matter what strategies or ruses, charm or con we employ. We cannot enclose Mystery in a book, bottle or battle-plan. God is not impressed by what we consider a virtuous life, and is not depressed by what we name as a sinful life. Limitless Mercy, after all, has the first and the final Word. God remains wild and free – untamed – by nature. 

Remember how badly David felt living in his palace of cedar, while the Ark of God, symbolizing the divine Presence among the people, remained in a tent (2 Samuel 7)? Let me build you a fitting house, the king proposed. Let’s get one thing straight, countered God (through the prophet Nathan), without Me you would still be out in the fields tending your dad’s sheep. Don’t even try; don’t even think about trying!

We get into trouble when we try to anticipate or second-guess God. It is God who always makes the first move, approaching us as we stumble through life. It is God who speaks and great things happen. It is God who invites, urges, encourages, comforts and consoles. It is God who self-reveals in completely human terms, in Jesus. It is the truly Sovereign One who engages us and entrusts so much to us. It is up to us to simply, humbly follow God’s lead – one step at a time.