By God’s Side: August 26, 2020

Weekly Inspirational Reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles

August 26, 2020

Throughout the Bible, there are many places where people find themselves in God’s presence, unexpectedly. So much so, that we might say it is part of God’s plan of interacting with people to come upon them when they least expect it. While it is good to place ourselves intentionally in God’s presence, through worship and in prayer, God certainly is not limited in any way from connecting with us in other times – what we might call ordinary times.

Let us say that we are going about our usual daily routine. God can and does meet us there. You will recall Brother Lawrence, who made a point of letting his fellow Christians know that he felt very close to God when doing the chores in the kitchen. Likewise, the author of the beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace,” similarly pointed out that God often comes close when we are going about the ordinary stuff of life. One of the best reminders of that truth might be Moses, when he was out in the wilderness, tending the sheep of his father-in-law, Jethro, as he had done day after day, week after week; a routine, work-a-day existence, into which God came, suddenly. There God was – in the midst of that bush that burned, yet was not consumed.

Scripture says that it can happen to anyone – and probably will happen to you. Today, make sure that, like Moses, you do what God intends you to do: turning aside to see the burning bush – turning to be by God’s side.

The Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles
Interim Senior Pastor, Shadyside Presbyterian Church

About Dr. Dalles

Read more about Dr. Dalles.

Watch a brief video introducing a series of conversations with Dr. Dalles.

About By God’s Side

Shadyside Presbyterian Church publishes By God’s Side, a weekly series of inspirational reflections from the Reverend Dr. John A. Dalles, to support you in your spiritual journey. These pastoral messages appear in the blog section of the church website each week. (Our weekly e-newsletter includes an excerpt to remind you to read along with us regularly; click here to subscribe to the e-newsletter if you do not already receive it.) We hope this regular feature will help you to draw closer to God’s side in your life of faith.

Read more reflections by Dr. Dalles from By God’s Side.