Is God Your Genie? by Patricia Tichonoff
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
As I was driving around town running errands, I thought about how I sometimes take God for granted. It didn’t make me feel very good about myself. My brain gave me a picture of a lamp, a genie’s lamp. Do I rub that lamp and hope that God appears like a genie—ready for my requests and expecting immediate responses? As I parked the car before going into the store, I asked for forgiveness because this attitude is such a selfish act on my part. To pull God into my moment of need and then put Him back into the lamp when I am finished with my request is all wrong.
I know that God is accessible every second of our day, but I firmly believe it is an act of selfishness when I call on Him without gratitude and a humble heart. From the time my feet hit the floor each morning until I put my feet into bed at night, I must learn to give Him praise and glory. He helps me through the challenges I face each day, and He is a teacher who shows me the ways to walk with Him. He is my breath and my heart.
When I fail to communicate with Him, I let myself down and I lose sight of the Light He shines within me. Neither God nor His Son, Jesus, are part of a genie’s lamp that sits on a shelf waiting to be rubbed so they can grant our wishes.
God is our Creator who constantly surrounds us with His Love that cannot be contained.
Father, help me to seek Your guidance earnestly; to express my gratitude in all my circumstances and not just when I need You for a particular request. Remind me not to place You back on my shelf. Let my worship be sincere and joyful, reflecting my appreciation for Your goodness all day long. Amen.