Have you noticed that when you’re with someone you know pretty well, sometimes it’s not even necessary to speak to communicate with them? It may be when your eyes meet, or when you have that subtle little smile on your face - and they know what you’re thinking, or maybe they might give you a nod or a wink - as if to say “you’re okay - keep going - I’m with you!” Yeah, it feels good knowing they get you, they know what you’re thinking, they’re “on your wavelength.”
Even better when God is the one giving you that nod.
After a previous entry about spending time with God, I received validation that what I’m doing is pleasing Him - even if it doesn’t seem to be making a difference. First, I was led to read an article that talked about being in the Presence of God and the importance of praying without ceasing. (Understand that this came from a source I hadn’t known about before - and the main emphasis of the article wasn’t about being still with God.) Secondly, the next day, I was watching a video that made a point to say, “The man who would know God must give time to Him.” God was giving me a nod. He was saying to continue. It was a subtle yet timely nod. At just the moment where I was starting to question, He knew I needed a little encouragement. He knew I needed a nod from Him! Sometimes that’s all we need - just a nod.
Isn’t it just like God to know how to teach me a lesson so perfectly!?! Yes, the very thing I’m craving - to know Him intimately - can only be accomplished through time spent with Him. If I hadn’t been learning to be aware of His presence around and in me, I could have missed the nod. I might have dismissed it as just my imagination (did I really see Him do that?) or maybe misinterpreted something because I’m so anxious to hear from Him. But no . . . when you know someone, you know when they say or do something that’s meant for you - it’s subtle but recognizable. That can only be learned with time. Someone else would interpret it differently, but you know in your heart when a message is sent directly your way.
Yes, I’ve got to be careful not to minimize the seemingly insignificant happenings - because they may just be the encouraging nods I need at just the right moments. And those moments are precious because they came out of time spent getting to know another so intimately that I can recognize a subtle and gentle gesture only because of your closeness.
It’s important to pay attention, because God is already working around me - but I’ve got to be aware to notice.
Noticing someone’s ways takes time because getting to know someone takes time.
A nod from God may be what you need sometimes.
