“How long had it actually been since [Adam and Ever] had heard the warm tone of God’s voice? Five minutes? Ten minutes? How long does it take before we start believing the lies of scarcity from our attachment: I am alone. I have to provide for myself. When we lost the perspective of God’s nearness, we begin to believe we have to provide for ourselves.”- Summer Joy Gross
Summer Joy Gross concludes Chapter 3 of The Emmanuel Promise with the observation that even when we become a child of God, the tendency for self-reliance exposes an ancient lie. That we must provide for ourselves. In addition, that lie may cause us to wonder if God truly has our best interests at heart.
However, when we recognize this internal lie of the need for self-provision, this possibility results. To open the way to attachment with God. Consequently, Summer provides three simple steps to begin practicing the Emmanuel promise right where we are.
1. Begin by praying this simple prayer, “You are here.” Whether you sense God’s presence or not, permit yourself to rest in the intellectual truth of Emmanuel’s presence. Stand firm on His promise of presence.
2. Know that God has been practicing your presence all along. Summer exhorts us to let that thought sink in. As David makes clear in Psalm 139:15-16, God’s practiced your presence since you made your quiet entry into the world. Safe in the haven of your mother’s womb.
Hence, not one second of your life has existed where God was Still-Faced. When you turn to God, He’s already turned toward you. He always practices your presence.
3. Notice the emotions displayed through Scripture, especially in the Psalms and Gospels. Once you do this, Summer urges, begin to acknowledge the emotions you hold. And as you read the Gospels, take note of the whole range of emotions Jesus experiences.
In conclusion, Summer states, God sees your masks and understands your need to wear them. But He’d rather be with the unvarnished you. So, allow Him full access to your important story.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you stop believing the lies of scarcity? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our Emmanuel – always available”
