"In the Details"

The old saying, "the devil is in the details" may bear some truth. However, far more to the point is the blessed reality that God is in the details.

The former axiom refers to some mysterious fact existing within the details of a condition, situation, or circumstance. Doubtless our spiritual enemy does nefariously work behind the scenes to seek our harm, and more importantly, the enshrouding of God's glory revealed in our lives. Again, however, the Lord who "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will" is infinitely more active in specific and presently hidden ways that will one day shine forth in the beauty of His perfect working in our lives (Ephesians 1:11).

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not!" (Genesis 28:16). Jacob's admission is surely shared by all believers who are the subjects of our Heavenly Father's continual involvement and care, but who see so very little of what He is doing. Life often seems so human and ordinary for even the most godly among us, and the unseen Heart and Hand that work "all things together for good" are normally so inauspicious that we see only the tiniest glimmer of their dynamic activity on our behalf (Romans 8:28). Our presently limited vision also contributes to the "I knew it not" reality of our earthly sojourn. "We see through a glass darkly" wrote the Apostle Paul who was caught up to Heaven for the vision of inutterable glories, but who nevertheless included himself - "we see... darkly" - in the admission of how little God's children actually know of His presence in the moments of our lives (II Corinthians 12:2-4; I Corinthians 13:12).

I often thank God for the things He has done and is doing that I know nothing about. Provisions for needs I never knew existed because the supply was so quickly and abundantly provided. Protections from jeopardy of which I was unaware. Intricate working in circumstances and conditions - and my heart - that will remain unknown until I get to Heaven. Perfect coordination of the details of life that will one day reveal our Father's infinite wisdom and boundless love to such degree that we will fall to our faces in wonder. All declare that God is in the details, and that despite the fact that we so often know it not, we can still believe as a matter of conviction that nothing will be wasted in our Father's ongoing purpose of conforming us to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. This moment in our lives teems with the vibrant activity of God. May it teem also with offerings of praise and thanksgiving from our hearts to the One whose involvement in the details reveals the loving devotion of His heart.

"Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."

(Psalm 40:5)