During a business trip a while back, I stopped for lunch at a greasy spoon. I’ve been in worse places I suppose… but not for a while. Reading the newspaper, I couldn’t help but look up when I heard the man working behind the counter. “My God is real,” he said, to no one in particular. I smiled and continued reading. A few minutes later, “My God is real,” he declared with a huge grin as he went about his duties.

Now please don’t misunderstand when I say this; flipping burgers at a restaurant is a good honest job, but it probably isn’t the vocation most of us had in mind when we began pursuing a career. Yet, here was this guy, not only happy in his job, but using it to share his faith with those around him.

The truth is that happened over twenty years ago. But it made such an impression on me that I think of this gentleman from time to time when I get frustrated in my work. It reminds me to be thankful. He was living out two truths that Paul shared with us in God’s Word.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

and…

… I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:11

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the church in Philippi. It seems strange to speak of rejoicing while in jail. Most of us will never have to face that kind of circumstance, but no matter what our problems are, our inner attitudes do not have to reflect them. Paul knew that no matter where he was, Jesus Christ was with him.

My friend at the diner knew that as well. May we all live joyfully in that simple truth.

My God is real!

Dr. R. Paul Caudill was pastor of First Baptist Church in Memphis Tennessee for nearly 40 years. He is known worldwide for his many accomplishments for the Lord. But he once told me that as a young man, when God first called him to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he fled to Texas to hide, only to discover God was already there.

Jonah took a similar path when God sent him to proclaim His Word and spent three days in the belly of a great fish as a result of disobeying. He found God was there also. The Bible teaches us He is everywhere…omnipresent.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to Heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. Psalm 139:7-8

Many of us spend much of our lives running from God, while others search for fulfillment in life, but can find none, apart from Him. If you are one who yearns for that fulfillment, here are some places I’ve found God to always be present:

In your home; at the office; on the road; outdoors; indoors; in your darkest moments; in times of triumph; in times of sorrow; in times of great joy.

If you’ve been to those places, and haven’t found Him, perhaps you are looking with your eyes, and not your heart.

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

There is yet another place to search for God, and quite often, it is the best place;

On our knees.

The tones sound as he punches in the alarm sequence. “Last one to leave the building again”, he thinks as he gives the key a turn to the left. “And now it’s starting to rain, great, I’ll be drenched. Why did I have to park so far away? Lord knows I was here before almost everyone.” Cold and wet, he eases the car out of the lot and into the line of traffic. “The heater in this old wreck takes so long to get going, wish I could afford a newer one. I’ll be home before it warms up.”

But he’s wrong. There must be a wreck up ahead. The usual thirty minute commute from downtown Nashville to Franklin turns into forty-five, and then an hour. Thoughts turn to the day’s events as he contemplates the project he has worked on so diligently, and the criticism he received after presenting it. “I worked my head off to get that thing finished under budget and ahead of schedule.” He remembers the late nights of the past month. And even then, it wasn’t good enough to please the boss. “Typical micro manager,” he thinks. “Nothing is ever good enough for him.”

As he finally steps into the house, he sees the stack of unpaid bills lying on the table. Beside them is a note. “At the PTA meeting until late, make sure the kids finish their homework, sorry about dinner, you’ll have to fend for yourself.” He can hear the TV blaring down the hall, and the arguing voices of teenagers overpowering it. Obviously no homework is being done yet. He sighs and eases into his chair for a few moments of peace; aware of the ever-present ache that inhabits the small of his back lately. “I’m sinking fast. There has to be a better way than this.”

He glances at the coffee table and notices the unopened Bible he laid there three days ago after church. He looks down at his knees and realizes how long it has been since he has been on them. Bits and pieces of the pastor’s sermon start to come back to him. The story of Peter having the faith to step out of the boat and walk on water toward Jesus…and how Peter’s faith weakens…the part of the Master taking his hand as Peter begins to sink. And he realizes…there is a better way.

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30