Exodus 17

“Is the Lord among us or not?” (Verse 7)

That question, asked by a weary, thirsty group of God’s people, stayed with me all day today. I thought of the variations asked by other people in Scripture.

“Don’t you care, Lord?” (Luke 10:40)

“Where were you, Lord?” (John 11:21)

“When will you answer me, Lord?” (Habakkuk 1:2)

“Have you forgotten me, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1)

I thought of variations I have asked myself.

Do you see me, Lord?

Do you hear me, Lord?

Where are you, Lord?

Am I still yours, Lord?

But, truthfully, I know the answers. I know the enemy loves to plant seeds of despair and feelings of isolation. So, I have to flip the script.

It’s not – do you see me, Lord. It becomes, “Lord, help me to see you.”

It’s not – do you hear me, Lord. Instead, “Lord, could I just hear from you?”

It’s not – where are you – but, Lord, would you show yourself?

Not – am I yours – but, “Lord, it is so good to be yours.”

Our thoughts matter. Our word choices matter. If we are consumed with thoughts that do not produce love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, and self control – those thoughts do not come from the Holy Spirit and need to be taken captive (2 Corinthians 10:5.)