Sorry, We're Closed

by Jon Hathorn on February 01, 2023

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" Psalm 139:7

I remember having a very busy day and I was planning to go to the store after church one Wednesday Night. Plenty of time - Bible study ended at 7:30 and the store closed at 8:30. Seems like a normal and reasonable plan. Well, you probably are thinking - that based on the title of today's Word of Encouragement you know what happens. Yes, the store was closed. A little sign in the window said, "winter hours." Here's what's on my mind at this moment. "Winter hours, didn't you know that I planned this carefully? There is no reference to winter hours. I am here and you are supposed to be open." I am bummed, disappointed, and frustrated because of the store being closed and I want someone to blame - and so I am choosing them to be the blame.

This little story reminds me of God's faithfulness and availability. He doesn't have any of the following - sorry we're closed, a busy signal, call waiting, do not disturb buttons, be back in 10 minutes, take a number, or even a sign that says "next." He is available. A great thought would be, "we are never an interruption to Him." Not only is He available, but He desires our conversation, He anticipates our conversation, He cares about us and our emotions, He knows how to help, and He welcomes our time together.

Because He is there, always there - we often take Him for granted and postpone moments to be with Him. That is misusing His love and concern and it is even abusing His incredible presence.

Since you know He is available - take the time to communicate with Him. Here's an idea to try for a week. Set an alarm to go off every hour during the day, and when that little alarm reminder sounds - take 15 seconds and take advantage of His availability. Share with Him your gratitude, share with Him a concern, praise Him for who He is, hum a little song of praise, or even just nod your head a few times and smile at how good God is.

Remember - in a grocery store there is a wonderful sound on the public address system when you are getting ready to pay, "There is no waiting on aisle 5!"

Thank you Lord for being available.

About the Author

Jon Hathorn

As I child, I really wanted God to like me and I feared that I wasn't good enough for Him. During high school, I attended church camp. It was there that I realized I was sinner in need of God's grace. I prayed to God, admitting my sin, accepting His death on the cross for my sin, and asking Him to guide my life. I have lived here in Stockton all my life graduating from Delta and UOP, and eventually getting a Master's in Bible and Theology. It was during a mission trip that I met Bev, who became my wife, Our two daughters were born right here in Stockton. I have served the Lord locally in a couple of churches and as a high school Bible Teacher. I love encouraging other people, sharing the Word of God, watching sports, eating Mexican food and spaghetti, spending time with our family and going on walks with our grandson. Philippians 1:6 is the prayer of my life and it says, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ."