God is in the Details

God is in the Details

Have you ever asked yourself, “I wonder if God is even aware of the what’s happening in my life?” Do you ever feel completely invisible? Most of us stay so busy with all the details of daily living that we often don’t have time for relationships, where we would share our days and details. It becomes easy for widows to isolate when they no longer have someone readily at hand to talk to. After nearly six years, I still find myself occasionally picking up the phone to text Dave about something I want to tell him, or something of which he should be aware. Is that strange or unusual? I don’t really think so. I never complained that he didn’t talk to me! Quite the opposite was true, which now makes the silence even more pervasive.

Some days, we can simply feel overwhelmed with details. Inside the house, outside the house, ministry, vehicle maintenance, insurance policies, taxes, decisions, decisions, decisions. I remember thinking shortly after Dave died that managing the paperwork required to inform the rest of the world that he was truly gone was like moving a mountain with a teaspoon!

In thinking about this question, I came across the following Scripture:

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:13

If everything in creation is indeed visible to God, then it stands to reason that He is aware of every detail that concerns me. If he is aware, then He cares about the details happening in my life. Matthew 10: 29-31 says this: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

When it feels as though He’s looking the other way, how can I explain that? James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.” Could the problem be with me? Maybe, just maybe, I don’t sense God acting on my behalf in the details of my life because I’m not asking Him to be involved with those small daily things!

I recently had one of those moments where God taught me this lesson one more time in a very personal way. I’ve shared a number of times here about my little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Louie. Several weeks ago, I made a ministry trip into South Dakota and left him with a wonderful dog sitter who has kept him many times for me. He loves going to her house to stay and play with her Australian Shepherd. Two days into the trip I received a message from her that Louie had escaped from the backyard, and he was nowhere to be found. She was understandably distraught, and I felt as close to falling apart as I think I’ve ever been! Louie has been my buddy since he was a tiny puppy right after Dave died. There was nothing I could do from South Dakota to help find him. He’s always been a runner, and might I add, has a very independent streak about coming when called!

As I was desperately trying not to collapse in hysterical sobs, I was reminded that I could pray about this situation! So, I took a deep breath, sat down in the chair, and asked God, “Would you please speak to this dog who is a part of your creation and under your authority? You see he’s run away, and is lost, so would you speak to him and tell him to just sit down and wait for someone to find him?”

It may seem silly to ask such a thing of the Great Creator God, but He knows and cares for everything that concerns or disturbs us. I am convinced in my heart that Louie is obliged to obey the One who created him! Now, here comes the expression of God’s love and care….

Within 3 minutes, the dog sitter called me shouting, “I’ve got him! I’ve got him!” When I asked what happened, she said, “Well, I got in the car with my dog, and a bag of treats, and drove down the street looking. When I got to the end of the neighborhood, there he was just sitting in someone’s front yard …. Waiting…. Had God answered my request and spoken to him? Did He send an angel to catch him? I don’t really know what happened! I just know that I asked, and the Father who sees all answered regarding something that concerned me.

You may be struggling today, thinking that you’re drowning in a sea of details that need your attention. Take a moment to remind yourself that your Heavenly Father sees everything in His creation, and He will take care of anything that concerns you. Be encouraged that He knows every detail and is waiting to help you.

As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome here or you can email me at sheryl@freshhope.us. If you’re looking for a new purpose and a pathway to move ahead, please consider joining one of our Refocusing Widows groups, either in person or online. You can register at www.refocusingwidows.org/Groups. We look forward to meeting you!