What do we need more from God: a sign or His presence?

Usually, we want a clear-cut blazing sign that shows us the direction our lives should take, when the intimacy we have with God in the everyday is what will direct us.

Then He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the Lord’s presence.” At that moment, the Lord passed by. A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Suddenly, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah? ”

– 1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭11-13‬

When faced with decisions or struggling with the unknown, we want a line-in-the-sand experience, a direct-from-heaven supernatural confirmation, as if God’s own Word is lacking.

I’ve asked many questions of God lately, wondering what He wants of me at this time of my life. Could He just show me what to do, which direction to go? It’s frustrating to not know, and I tend to strain my eyes on what is unclear rather than being satisfied with the promises God has already made to me. I want the sign.

This past week, I have been reading back through my verse journal and old Evernote entries. During my time with the Lord each day, I write down verses that speak to my heart, that God highlights to me as I study His Word. Looking again over the Scriptures and those God conversations from spring through summer this year, I realized that I was not alone, voicing my questions in vain. God was there, listening and responding. The transcript is right in my book, from His Book. I’ve sifted through old blog post and book ideas I’ve jotted down in Evernote over the last year, and God has already given me much of what I thought I didn’t have.

Jesus directs my thoughts as I just live life with Him. When I am in His presence, I am in His will. I don’t need the mighty, earth-shattering winds, the earthquakes, or the raging fires lighting the path for me. I just need Him.