It was a quote a person shared after reading one of my books; a way of life that we can live out daily.
Merriam-Webster.com defines “divine” as “of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God.”
Do you agree that in the ordinary of life we see the divine—how God is present in all of life? God takes the ordinary and the everyday things and transforms them by His presence.
I always say the truth that I am just a simple, ordinary gal who does not hold any advanced degree or prestigious role in this world. I am quiet, always thinking too much, and am happiest when serving or helping others even in the small ways. Yes, I’m happy in my little world enjoying the simple joys of life.
Yet, I have always seen special orchestrations in our lives—how the little things are meaningful, which helps us see goodness in this world. I believe deep in my heart that this goodness is part of the divine, who is God.
When God inspired me to start this website over ten years ago, the purpose was to highlight His presence in the ordinary of our lives. Putting my thoughts to the written word helps them stop from just running through my head.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. –Matthew 4:18-22 (NIV)
How interesting to see that Jesus, both divine and human, called as His first followers simple, ordinary men who were fishermen. These men, who became known as His disciples, met the divine in the ordinariness of their life of being fishermen. We too have opportunities throughout our days when the divine is meeting us in the ordinary of our lives.
Now he [Jesus] had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” –John 4:4-10, 25-26 (NIV)
Jesus is always working out divine orchestrations. This Samaritan woman was doing the ordinary task of getting water from the town well when she had a face-to-face encounter that changed her life forever. She encountered the Messiah who loved her despite living a sinful life—so much so that she changed her life from that day forward. Jesus is always waiting to encounter us in the ordinary circumstances of our lives.
These people had the distinct privilege of being alive at the same time as Jesus walked this earth—of meeting the divine in person. How fortunate we are to be alive in this day and age, having the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us—thus having the opportunity of meeting the divine every day in our lives.
Photo courtesy of Sharon Tate Soberon under Creative Commons License (CC BY-ND 2.0)
What are some ways we see the divine in the ordinary of our lives?
The chance encounter of running into people we haven’t seen in a long time.
Seeing miracles happen before our eyes, like someone having a feeding tube for eight months and suddenly being able to swallow again, or giving parents the strength to care for a physically challenged child in their home.
Observing a total solar eclipse with God’s perfect timing in providing a break in the clouds.
The miracle of new life, whether people, animals, or flowers.
Someone turning their life over to Jesus.
Seeing a special reminder of God’s love in our lives such as hearts, rainbows, or cloud shapes.
In receiving an unexpected hug from a toddler.
Looking into the eyes of a person near death.
When experiencing a sunrise or sunset.
Soaking in the view of a vast ocean.
In having clean water to drink and bathe with.
When standing in faith in prayer with other people.
How can we be more open to seeing the divine in the ordinary?
Start each day with gratitude for waking up to a new day.
Asking God to help you see His presence in the little details.
Be totally present in the moments with other people.
Giving thanks to God throughout the day for being in control of life.
Reflecting on God’s goodness that you see throughout the day.
Be encouraged this week to…
… be more aware of the divine meeting with the daily ordinary events of life.
… see the presence of the divine each day.
… seek the divine’s assistance in a difficult situation.
… pray to see the divine in all of humanity, even those who hurt you.
REFLECTION:
When did you see the divine show up to help you through a negative circumstance?
How have you experienced the divine with another person?
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. –2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
