Ever see an artist at work?  When I was in Bethel, I’d see the beginning stages of paintings and wonder what they were.  Then we’d worship a while along with modern instrumental sounds inspired by heaven’s song, then I’d look back to the painting and see clues here and there.  The process would continue as kept looking back as the picture gradually revealed itself.

So many times we go through life not knowing what’s ahead.  It’s a frustrating feeling.  Like driving in heavy fog, it’s disconcerting not seeing in front of you.  But as long as you turn on your lights, take precautions and stay in your own lane you should be fine as long as you follow directions.

Prov. 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

God purposely holds back information on our lives.  If you look at the previous verse it shows Solomon as the writer, so I’m concluding he originally had himself as a king in mind.  Perhaps this verse could apply to Jesus, the King of Glory as He revealed what the Old Testament law really meant as He walked it out.  But I believe it applies to us as well.

He WANTS us to search out the truth, and He purposely hides Himself.  He wants us to be like the Bereans and really wrestle the deep questions with Scripture.  Even examining the core of our faith, we become stronger through the process.  Perhaps through living life believing the unseen, longing for the Bridegroom, we can appreciate it all the better once we see Him.

As strange as it it might be, God seems to reward us when we fight for our purpose and desires in the correct way.  Have you heard the Parable of The Unjust Judge?  Check it out.  Here Jesus tells the story of a woman who kept bothering the unjust judge and didn’t give up till He took her case.

How many times have we had unresolved issues and yet we seem to either blame God or we simply let it be and wander passively through life?  Sometimes we opt for the second, because the conflict would be too much.

Jacob wrestled with God all night…and won!  For some reason when men spar they bond in a weird sort of way.  God is rooting for us even as we contend with Him.  And yet He’ll make us fight for our life and we might even be wounded in the process as was Jacob.  You might be scratching your head…Huh?  Why would God fight us and help us at the same time?  Yeah, it’s deep.  Let’s look at the surrounding context.

As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Back in Bible college when massive theology got downloaded to my brain, I had an encounter with God.  As I got home to rest after working and taking classes I lied there for hours blown away by the simple revelation of who He was.  I played this song, “Now and Forevermore” from David Ruis’ Shake Off The Dust on repeat for hours as I drifted in and out of sleep.  This poem at the intro pierced my heart:

…And just when I think I know Your complexities

You step into the light

And just when I think I know Your voice You open up my ears

It’s like trying to know every single glowing star on a cloudless night

But Your depth and Your vastness keep me running after You

I didn’t know what was ahead for my life, but I knew HIM and that was all that mattered in that moment.

Verse 4, 5

Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.

As we pursue the mission God has for us, the picture ever so slowly becomes clearer through the years.  He tweaks our vision, He refines us.  He gradually perfects us.  He doesn’t want to let this grand vision be tainted with our own issues, pride, or whatever else would hold us back.

When we finally see breakthrough He’ll fulfill His promises in such a way as would glorify Him alone and not man.  I recently got some clarity for some callings in my own life.   He’s bringing others around me through the local church and it won’t be up to me alone.  As if He’s saying, “You strived hard on your own.  Now watch what I can do…”

What are some truths or aspects of God that are being revealed to you today?  Okay, maybe a bit deep for some.  Try looking for the little things.  Examples are a good interaction at work, a near accident where you noticed His protection, reading a Scripture, hearing truth in a song or a movie, seeing creation in scenery on a drive.  Be on the lookout.