There are two primary ways in which we experience God at work in the world. When we see the rich colors of a sunset over the mountains, a complete double rainbow against the backdrop of dark storm clouds, a bear traipsing across our path in the woods, the vastness of the seemingly endless seas, a clear night sky full of millions of twinkling stars, or the miracle of a newborn baby taking its first of many breaths, we are often humbled by the awesome, overwhelming power of the God who created all things. Seeing such sights, we feel that we, such small things, are in the presence of something far greater than ourselves. This is our experience of the transcendent God - the all-powerful God who is over all things and far greater than ourselves.
At other times when we feel a peace that comes to settle our restless, burdened hearts, see the warmth of a friendly smile that fills our loneliness, hear words that burn within drawing us to venture out in a new direction, are so overcome by love that we lose our sense of fear, or we connect with a community to which we truly belong, we know that we are loved by and part of something larger than ourselves. This is our experience of the immanent God - the all-loving God who seeks a personal relationship with us and dwells with us.
In some religions, there is the belief in separate gods. There are the all-powerful, transcendent gods who create all things and then remain distant, only acting in the world for their own pleasure. Then there are the personal, immanent gods and/or ancestors to whom one would pray with an expectation of being heard. As Christians, we believe however that there is only one God, the God who is not only transcendent but also immanent.
This has two major implications for us: 1) The transcendent, all-powerful God who created all things cares about each of us. We were created to love and be loved in a blessed world rather than to go it all on our own in harsh, uncaring world. 2) The immanent, personal God who dwells with and within us is powerful. The God to whom we pray is not limited by a greater power but is able to work for our welfare without bound.
May the all-powerful, all-loving God we worship strengthen you and guide you today and everyday!
Questions to ponder: How have you experienced the awe-inspiring God who has created all things? What does it mean to you that this all-powerful God loves you? How have you experienced the personal, caring God who dwells with us? What does it mean to you that this all-loving God is powerful? How does belief in one all-powerful, personal God give us hope?
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