Embracing God's Absence: A Call to Seek Him

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound concept of "practicing the absence of God." This idea challenges us to consider the moments when God seems absent, particularly in the story of Genesis 3, often referred to as "the fall." Interestingly, the term "fall" is not explicitly mentioned in the text, which instead describes the human condition—a state of being that we all find ourselves in, facing challenges that are difficult to articulate and impossible to overcome on our own.

In Genesis 3, we encounter three characters: the serpent, Eve, and Adam. Notably absent is God, which raises the question: why is God missing during such a pivotal moment? This absence is not a sign of neglect but rather a testament to God's respect for human freedom and personhood. Just as a parent must allow their child to make their own choices, God allows us the freedom to choose, even when it means stepping back and letting us face the consequences of our actions.

C.S. Lewis, in "The Screwtape Letters," eloquently describes this divine strategy. God does not overwhelm us with His presence because doing so would override our free will. Instead, He woos us, inviting us to seek Him out. This hiddenness of God is a call for us to respond, to turn towards Him, and to ask for His guidance.

The story of Adam and Eve also highlights the subtlety of our minds. When faced with temptation, the thought of seeking God's help does not occur to them, not because they have decided to do wrong, but because they want to keep their options open. This mirrors our own struggles with sin, where we often keep God out of our thoughts to pursue our desires.

As we navigate our daily lives, we must ask ourselves if there are any desires or thoughts that prevent us from welcoming God into our moments. It's a constant rhythm of God's presence and absence, inviting us to reflect and choose Him. In the cool of the day, when God walks with us, we are called to examine our conscience and ensure nothing stands between us and Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Absence of God as a Gift: God's absence in pivotal moments, like in Genesis 3, is not neglect but a profound respect for human freedom. This absence invites us to exercise our free will and choose to seek God, rather than being overwhelmed by His presence. [04:29]

2. The Hiddenness of God: C.S. Lewis describes God's hiddenness as a divine strategy to woo us rather than overpower us. This hiddenness is a call to respond, to seek God actively, and to grow in our relationship with Him. [06:17]

3. The Subtlety of Temptation: The story of Adam and Eve illustrates how we often avoid thinking about God when faced with temptation. This avoidance keeps our options open, reflecting our struggle with sin and the human condition. [08:36]

4. Freedom and Responsibility: Just as a parent allows a child to make their own choices, God gives us the freedom to choose our path. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship with God, as it allows us to turn towards Him willingly. [05:08]

5. Daily Reflection and Openness to God: We are invited to examine our desires and thoughts daily, ensuring nothing prevents us from welcoming God into our lives. This reflection helps us align our will with God's and seek His guidance in all we do. [12:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - Embracing New Beginnings
- [00:58] - Practicing the Absence of God
- [01:26] - Understanding the Human Condition
- [02:03] - The Curious Incident of God's Absence
- [03:12] - God's Presence and Human Freedom
- [04:29] - The Role of Choice in Our Lives
- [05:32] - The Hiddenness of God
- [06:52] - C.S. Lewis on Divine Strategy
- [07:47] - The Subtlety of Temptation
- [09:19] - Keeping God in Our Thoughts
- [10:04] - Daily Reflection and Openness
- [11:26] - God's Rhythm of Presence and Absence
- [12:26] - Closing and Invitation to Reflect

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:1-8
2. Isaiah 45:15

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 3, who are the main characters present during the temptation, and who is notably absent? Why might this absence be significant? [02:16]

2. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 describe the human condition, rather than explain it? [01:40]

3. According to the sermon, what is the "Curious incident" of God in the garden during the temptation? [02:59]

4. How does C.S. Lewis describe God's strategy of hiddenness in "The Screwtape Letters"? [06:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the absence of God during pivotal moments, like in Genesis 3, suggest about His respect for human freedom and personhood? [04:29]

2. How does the concept of God's hiddenness challenge or encourage one's personal faith journey? [06:52]

3. In what ways does the story of Adam and Eve illustrate the subtlety of temptation and the human tendency to avoid thinking about God when faced with choices? [08:36]

4. How does the rhythm of God's presence and absence in our lives invite us to reflect and choose Him? [11:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's absence in a challenging situation. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now, knowing that this absence can be a call to seek Him? [04:29]

2. Consider the idea that God "woos" us rather than overwhelms us with His presence. How can you actively seek God in your daily life, especially when He feels hidden? [06:17]

3. Identify a desire or thought that might be keeping you from welcoming God into your current moment. What steps can you take to address this and invite God into that space? [10:04]

4. How can you practice daily reflection to ensure nothing stands between you and God? What specific time or method will you use to examine your conscience? [12:07]

5. Think about a recent temptation you faced. Did you consider seeking God's guidance at that moment? How can you remind yourself to turn to God in future situations? [08:36]

6. How does understanding God's respect for your freedom change the way you view your choices and responsibilities? [05:08]

7. In what ways can you create a rhythm in your life that allows for both God's presence and the space to exercise your freedom responsibly? [11:42]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gift of God's Absence
In moments when God seems absent, it is not a sign of neglect but a profound respect for human freedom. This absence invites us to exercise our free will and choose to seek God, rather than being overwhelmed by His presence. Just as a parent allows their child to make their own choices, God gives us the freedom to choose our path. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship with God, as it allows us to turn towards Him willingly. The story of Genesis 3, where God is notably absent during the pivotal moment of the fall, illustrates this divine respect for human autonomy. It challenges us to consider how we respond to God's absence and whether we use it as an opportunity to seek Him more earnestly. [04:29]

Isaiah 45:15 (ESV): "Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel God's absence, and how can you use this as an opportunity to seek Him more intentionally today?


Day 2: The Divine Strategy of Hiddenness
C.S. Lewis describes God's hiddenness as a divine strategy to woo us rather than overpower us. This hiddenness is a call to respond, to seek God actively, and to grow in our relationship with Him. By not overwhelming us with His presence, God respects our free will and invites us to pursue Him out of love rather than obligation. This divine strategy encourages us to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with God, as we learn to seek Him in the quiet moments of our lives. It is in these moments of hiddenness that we are invited to grow in faith and trust, knowing that God is always present, even when He seems distant. [06:17]

Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Reflection: How can you actively seek God in the quiet moments of your day, and what steps can you take to grow in your relationship with Him?


Day 3: The Subtlety of Temptation
The story of Adam and Eve illustrates how we often avoid thinking about God when faced with temptation. This avoidance keeps our options open, reflecting our struggle with sin and the human condition. When faced with temptation, the thought of seeking God's help does not occur to them, not because they have decided to do wrong, but because they want to keep their options open. This mirrors our own struggles with sin, where we often keep God out of our thoughts to pursue our desires. It is a reminder of the subtlety of temptation and the importance of keeping God at the forefront of our minds, especially in moments of weakness. [08:36]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: What temptations are you currently facing, and how can you invite God into those moments to help you overcome them?


Day 4: Freedom and Responsibility
Just as a parent allows a child to make their own choices, God gives us the freedom to choose our path. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship with God, as it allows us to turn towards Him willingly. The absence of God in pivotal moments, like in Genesis 3, is not neglect but a profound respect for human freedom. It is a reminder that with freedom comes responsibility, and we are called to use our freedom to choose God and align our lives with His will. This freedom is a gift that allows us to grow in our relationship with God and to experience the fullness of His love. [05:08]

Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

Reflection: How are you using your freedom to choose God in your daily life, and what changes can you make to align your choices with His will?


Day 5: Daily Reflection and Openness to God
We are invited to examine our desires and thoughts daily, ensuring nothing prevents us from welcoming God into our lives. This reflection helps us align our will with God's and seek His guidance in all we do. In the cool of the day, when God walks with us, we are called to examine our conscience and ensure nothing stands between us and Him. It is a constant rhythm of God's presence and absence, inviting us to reflect and choose Him. By making daily reflection a habit, we open ourselves to God's presence and allow Him to guide us in our journey of faith. [12:07]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Reflection: What desires or thoughts are currently preventing you from welcoming God into your life, and how can you address them to align your will with His?

Quotes


In Genesis 3, we encounter three characters: the serpent, Eve, and Adam. Notably absent is God, which raises the question: why is God missing during such a pivotal moment? This absence is not a sign of neglect but rather a testament to God's respect for human freedom and personhood. [00:02:01]

God's absence in pivotal moments, like in Genesis 3, is not neglect but a profound respect for human freedom. This absence invites us to exercise our free will and choose to seek God, rather than being overwhelmed by His presence. [00:04:29]

C.S. Lewis describes God's hiddenness as a divine strategy to woo us rather than overpower us. This hiddenness is a call to respond, to seek God actively, and to grow in our relationship with Him. [00:06:17]

The story of Adam and Eve illustrates how we often avoid thinking about God when faced with temptation. This avoidance keeps our options open, reflecting our struggle with sin and the human condition. [00:08:36]

Just as a parent allows a child to make their own choices, God gives us the freedom to choose our path. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship with God, as it allows us to turn towards Him willingly. [00:05:08]

We are invited to examine our desires and thoughts daily, ensuring nothing prevents us from welcoming God into our lives. This reflection helps us align our will with God's and seek His guidance in all we do. [00:12:07]

The hiddenness of God is a call for us to respond, to turn towards Him, and to ask for His guidance. This divine strategy is not to overwhelm us but to invite us into a deeper relationship with Him. [00:06:52]

The subtlety of our minds is highlighted in the story of Adam and Eve. When faced with temptation, the thought of seeking God's help does not occur to them, not because they have decided to do wrong, but because they want to keep their options open. [00:08:36]

As we navigate our daily lives, we must ask ourselves if there are any desires or thoughts that prevent us from welcoming God into our moments. It's a constant rhythm of God's presence and absence, inviting us to reflect and choose Him. [00:12:07]

God's absence is not a sign of neglect but a profound respect for human freedom. This absence invites us to exercise our free will and choose to seek God, rather than being overwhelmed by His presence. [00:04:29]

The story of Adam and Eve also highlights the subtlety of our minds. When faced with temptation, the thought of seeking God's help does not occur to them, not because they have decided to do wrong, but because they want to keep their options open. [00:08:36]

In the cool of the day, when God walks with us, we are called to examine our conscience and ensure nothing stands between us and Him. This reflection helps us align our will with God's and seek His guidance in all we do. [00:12:07]

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Transcript
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