Max DePree writes "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality." We are all leaders, most especially of ourselves. We ponder the raw sense data we receive in light of how we understand reality. I sit, early on a Sunday morning, at the computer near an open window, feeling the coolness on my skin, hearing the early summer birdsong. How do I interpret that? What comes to mind? I think of: Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. Even all the hairs on your head are numbered. So do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows. (Net, Matthew 10-29-31)
If reality is God has numbered the hairs on my head, then his involvement with me is way beyond my imagination. He knows about the insomnia waking me at 4am several days running. The other day, when I prayed, quite fervently, to go back to sleep, I did. This morning, I didn’t, though praying just as fervently, as far as I can tell. Why not answer the prayer this morning? Mystery. And yet, I am more valuable than many sparrows. I trust that reality. He is holding my right hand.
We all grapple with unanswered prayer and wrestle with fear and anger. In those struggles, how do we construe reality? That is, where is God? Close and involved or cold and distant? How we define reality makes all the difference.
Father, draw us into your reality today.