“If today you hear his voice,” the psalmist says, “harden not your heart.” If this Trinity Sunday, celebrating Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, might be the day you return to God if you feel betrayed. If God has slipped in your portfolio of relationships, seize the

Most of us would probably admit that we do search for God mostly when things seem out of control. We seek God when we need God. When things seem to be spiraling out of control. We may cry out, “God where are you, and why are you letting this happen to me?”

And when God doesn’t immediately (or ever) fix the problem, we may begin to think God isn’t even there. We expect to see outright proof that God is there. The problem with this is that we, in fact, are not seeking God --- we are seeking the proof.

When I am irritated and frustrated because it feels like I can’t find God, I tend to forget where to look for him. I end up, like the country songs says, “searching for God in all the wrong places.” Not bad places, just misplacing my focus on God.

So, where is he? Where can you find God? What should you do when searching for God or how can you hear his voice when it seems like he’s not close to you? How can you see God when you’ve seemingly lost sight of him?

One way is to focus your search on Jesus. What is God like? What is his character? We can find the most tangible picture of who God is in the person of Jesus. In Colossians we hear “He is the image of the invisible God (1:15). When we look at Jesus, we see the God who cannot be seen. Investigating Jesus --- his character and claims --- will lead us to God.

You can also talk to people who love and follow Jesus. Find people who show real evidence of living according to the teachings of Jesus. Ask how they discovered Jesus --- how did they search? Why do they believe? How do they continue to discover more and develop their relationship with God?

And then look for God in the most abandoned and down and out. Whenever you did this for them, Jesus says, you do it to me.

As you search for God, know that you are not the only one searching. Jesus is searching for you and wants you to find him. In his own words, Jesus says: “Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened” (Matt 7:7).

As St. Augustine said so beautifully centuries ago: “God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

• Thought for the week: Learning to be less reactive doesn’t only relieve the stress of those you’re reacting to; it makes your life much less stressful and more peaceful, as well.
• Smile for the week: Years ago, in the days before “self-service,” on a Memorial Day weekend, a pastor waited in line to have his car filled with gas. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, an attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump. “Reverend,” said the young man, “I’m so sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip. The pastor chuckled, “It’s the same in my business.”

God bless! Have a wonderful week!