Immanuel

“Son, pay attention to what I’m saying.”

“Babe, are you listening to me?”

“Wow! would you look at that!”

I spend lots of time wondering, asking, demanding those I love to put aside their distractions. It’s not just about others, I constantly remind myself to stop, pay attention, and notice what is happening in the moment.

Life is busy. Success in this world equals getting things done. Our culture places a ton of value on final production. We say things like “time is money” and “there’s no rest for the weary.”

Go… go… go.

Do… do… do.

Work… work… work.

The going, doing and working leaves me feeling hurried, never enough, and lonely.  I wonder if God is keeping up with me, and look for any sign of Presence. I yearn to slow down, to rest, to form real relationships.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.–Isaiah 7:14

In Isaiah’s prophecy there is a six-letter word I’m prone to miss as I quickly read the scripture. The only word in the entire sentence that gives me direction, tells me what to do. A word which holds the key to embracing Jesus’ name, Immanuel. It means God with us. Do you see it?

Behold…

In other words, pay attention, take notice, stop. Look at this! My busy, busting at the seams life gives little room to notice God with me. It takes intention and a willingness to embrace Jesus as Immanuel. God with us. In every second and circumstance, every emotion and outburst, in all things Immanuel.

Won’t you take time today to behold the moments you notice God with you? Maybe look for God’s presence like a child on a scavenger hunt. Pay attention to thoughts and emotions that draw you closer to Him.

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!–John 1:29

And if you feel inspired by something to behold, I would love to hear from you. Just drop your thought in the comments.

 

**Photo by Kristaps Grundsteins on Unsplash