From Behold the Lilies (devotional)

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

Institutions and organizations are crumbling, and it does not take long to figure out why.  God is pushed aside and left out.  Questions are asked and much money is spent on research, but answers are evasive.  Again it seems the reason is that God is ignored.

I seem to think a lot about material things ... but surely I'm not pushing God aside.  I have a firm belief in God.

Sometimes I do not sense my need.  I do not feel as dependent on God as I had been.  I wonder why ... but no, I'm not pushing God aside.  Every time I look outside and see the beauty of the creation, I recognize that God is the Creator of it all.

I feel disturbed and unsettled.  I really want a settled peace in my heart.  If only ... but still, I'm not pushing God aside.  I read His Word every day, at least a bit.

I would not intentionally push God aside or reject Him.  But somehow these verses seem to ring in my mind: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works in dead?" (James 2:19-20)

My problem with materialism shows that I have more faith in what I see than in what I cannot see.  I do not have my eyes on eternal things.  I must admit that I do push God aside in this aspect of my life. My problem with feeling self-sufficient might stem from not giving heed to the Spirit's voice in little things because I think I know better.  He may see my independence and choose to retreat; He will not force Himself on me.  Soon I start feeling as though something has come between God and me.  Obviously, I again pushed God aside.  I did not have the faith that He knows best.

The problem with feeling unsettled and disturbed - could it come from a lack of trust, from not leaving that disturbing matter to the Lord?  Again, I lack real faith in his promises.

Are worldly institutions rejecting God?  Yes.  Do I sometimes reject God?  My life makes it obvious.  Faith in God means more than believing that He exists.  I must have a faith that moves me to live above the present and convinces me that His will is always best.  With such a faith, I can experience a restful, trusting life that will not crumble.