Where Is He

When I was a young boy, I enjoyed playing games with the kids in my neighborhood.  Back then, no one had personal phones to play games alone in the stillness of their bedrooms or at the dinner table.  Things were different.  Children communicated with each other rather than being cooped up inside the house.  Outside was our playground.

We challenged each other in sports and games, often playing well after dusk without worries about dangers lurking around us.  Our neighborhood felt like a safe zone as we played tag, kick-the-can, and hide-and-seek.

I was always good at hiding.  While the seeker covered their eyes and counted to one hundred by fives, I would find creative places—sometimes even hiding under piles of leaves a neighbor had raked, often close to home base, usually a tree.  I stayed hidden until I heard the words, “Olly olly oxen free,” which meant the seeker had given up and everyone was free to come out without becoming “it.”

I’m sure the one who was “it” often asked, “Where is he?”—referring to me.  I was good at hiding and was seldom “it.”

But has there ever been a time when you’ve spoken those same three words: “Where is He?”  I’m referring to God.  I know I have.

I’ve prayed many prayers that seemed to go unanswered—at least for a time.  Yet, eventually, answers came and needs were met.  That leads me to ask myself: after pouring out countless prayers before God, how long does it take me to praise Him when He answers?

Why is it that I can offer miles of prayers, yet only inches of praise?

Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).  When we ask, “Where is He?” perhaps the answer is closer than we think.  He reveals Himself in our praise—much like a child revealing himself at the call of “Olly olly oxen free.”

God responds to our invitation.  When we praise Him, it is as though we are calling Him to “home base,” and He draws near.

Let us not forget to give thanks and praise to God when He moves in our lives.  If you ever find yourself wondering, “Where is He?”—try praising Him.

You may find He was there all along.

Written by,

Papa Boyd