“There’s no one quite like you among the gods, O Lord, and nothing to compare with your works.” Psalm 86.8
The contrast between vacation and work is a vivid as black vs. white. Physically there are major differences – quiet Redwoods vs. busy England. Emotionally the differences are real – relaxed living without deadlines vs. stressed corporate living. Mentally my priorities are crowded by day to day responsibilities. After considering everything, I prefer vacation!
Real life is not that bad. The morning stillness after a night rain is quietly nurturing to one’s soul. The daily work and life challenges have real opportunities to live out one’s values. Beauty and value are not limited to California! One finds God’s handiwork in the most unlikely places, especially in southeast London.
Reflecting on the contrast leads me to wonder about my own vision of God. I find myself comparing gods of all types. The list includes self-realization, the god within, and a series of various god pictures painted by various religions. I realize that I need to know and understand who my god is. I have a thirst to experience a relationship of some kind in some way. I find myself getting a taste of God and then my problems begin!
If I muddle along searching for god in all the wrong places my satisfaction level is consistent, zip. As I pursue the mythical experience with confidence that I will be successful as I discipline myself, I have purpose. Cataloging my findings, analyzing my results gives an assurance that my quest is real and with merit. Not!
The problem begins when we let God touch us. The God of the Bible, the true God is like no other God! I find nothing comparable. There are major differences.
God gives me everything free; other gods require I work.
God assurance is absolute; my efforts consistently fail.
God love has no conditions; everything in my life is conditional.
God acceptance is open-ended; I dislike myself, and then there are others.
God wants everyone; I am selective.
There is no god like my God!
