What If God Went On Vacation?

Whenever one of our school admins is out of the office either for vacation or some other kind of personal leave, they usually add an automated email message that tells you they are unavailable and gives a date for their return. It’s a way to know why your phone calls and emails are not getting answered. It’s pretty much standard in the business world. Vacations are nice and a good way to preserve your mental health. Remember the 17^th century proverb: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”?

Normally, there is always someone to fill in while you are gone. Unless it’s a small single owner run establishment, it would be a bad business model to have no one that can be there in a pinch.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t take a vacation? He’s never “closed”; you never get a busy signal. I suppose He could put the universe on auto pilot. Still, not being able to pray for something or someone for a week or two. No Holy Spirit for guidance.  Satan and his minions are attacking? Hold on help is on the way – in a week. I really don’t like the sound of that.

No, there are no vacations to worry about. In fact we have His promise that He will always be there.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

 

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,

on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 121:3-5

 

- The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:3

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

 

This week we had a week off for Thanksgiving Break. It was nice to get away, but I’m not optimistic about how much they will remember on Monday. Traditionally, very little studying happens on break. It got me thinking. How many times do we go on vacation and kind of forget about God? Do we skip reading the scriptures and spending time in prayer? Do we skip church? It’s so easy to just kind of forget while we are away. Yet God is still there. He’s always there. He will always be there.

 

I’m glad that God is God and we are not. He can hold everything together and still care for everyone else. And I’m eternally grateful for that.

The sun does not withhold its light

The sea does not withhold the tide

You won't withhold Your love and I

I am thankful

 

The moon will not forget to rise

The stars will not forget to shine

You won't forget me, Lord, and I

I am thankful

 

For all You've done, I am thankful

For all You do, I am thankful

For who You are, I am thankful

For You, for You

Paul Baloche - I Am Thankful