When I read this Scripture verse this morning, at first I was puzzled. Why are we searching for God when we know that He is always present? Why, indeed? Perhaps because we need to know that He can be found and when we are continually seeking Him, He is easier to find in our hearts. God’s strength is there for us when we call out to Him and tell Him honestly that we need Him, that we are not self-sufficient. This was brought home to me when I was in the hospital. When you are lying on your back most of the day and have nothing much to do or anyone to talk to, I found that talking to God not only passes the time, it also brings comfort and a sense of peace and hope. God wasn’t lost or anything…I just had to stop the self-focusing and focus on Him.

Likewise, we cannot hide from God. When we are being churlish or anxious or even bitter, God knows. He is always right there. And the good news is that He loves us in spite of how we are feeling or acting or being. I sing “Jesus Loves Me” to my young grandchildren and my favorite verse is this one:

Jesus loves me when I’m good, When I do the things I should. Jesus loves me when I’m bad, ‘though it makes Him very sad.

God never stops loving me, not when I am feeling sorry and lonely in the hospital, not when the pain is overwhelming and I am crying out to God for relief and a little upset that He isn’t sending it quickly enough, and when I am at home typing my blog and struggling for the words to write to express the deep emotions I have been feeling. I had so many specialists and nurses remind me that if this last episode was a TIA, it could be a warning of another stroke, and my risk is higher since I already had one, and I need to get to the hospital right away. Fear was creeping in, but God stopped it in its tracks and told me firmly that He is the One in control and He is with me to the end of this life and to the beginning of the next one. God is indeed everywhere and that comforts me that I don’t have to go far to search for Him. I just have to call out His Name.