The ordering, scriptural content, and flow of this short series has sought to encourage the pause and movement of the heart that accompanies the fearfully wonderful experience of being invited to engage with the Living God through His Word. He truly delights to ignite the wandering soul, bidding one to approach with contrite courage and humble faith. 

These meditations have sought to stir a desire to wrestle through the dark trenches of unbelief, despair, and fear. To stir a righteous anger against the sin that imprisons our souls to spiritual complacency. To warn of the suicidal act of passing by the true bread and living water.

If God wants us to know him, why does it often “feel” He is distant or withdrawn? Why would He withhold knowledge of himself? Well, is anything valuable laid out in the open? No — it is hidden. You must dig for it. Does that mean we must depend on our own efforts to work and seek the Living God? No — We press on to know the Living God who has made us His own. We wait upon Him, ’till He fills our mouths with praise. We are like “people digging channels in a waterless land, in order that when at last the water comes, it may find them ready” (C.S. Lewis, Reflection on the Psalms). 

And so, may you be left with (1) an invitation, and (2) a call to inquire. An invitation to take a seat beside the Word made flesh as Nicodemus did. A call to inquire, allured by this unfamiliar sight that seems to beckon you to draw closer, as Moses in the dark wilderness. Draw near to God through His Living Word. Taste and see that the LORD is good (Psalm 34:8). May you be challenged to press in, wrestle, seek, and cry out in faith. And in so doing — may you behold the truth of such infinite worth, in which you are not left unchanged. 

Refuse to let go until the flicker of understanding truly dawns, the bud of revelation unfolds — bearing fragrance and fruit. Take heart, “it is God who works in you, both to will and work for His pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Painting by Justin Kellner