Finding God in the Small Moments
This is not my family of deer.
Last night as I pulled into the driveway, I caught a glimpse of some familiar visitors—a family of six deer that live in our woods. It was dark, and I could barely make out their forms. They were just shadows moving quietly through the trees, blending into the night. I had to pause for a moment, allowing my eyes to adjust, to truly see them. Even though they were hard to see clearly, I knew they were there, as they so often are, wandering near the house.
In that moment, I was reminded of how God’s presence often feels in our lives. Sometimes it’s unmistakable—like the warmth of the sun breaking through the clouds. But other times, it feels subtle—like those deer in the darkness. You know He’s there, but you have to pause and look closely, letting your heart settle and your spirit listen.
This reminds me of Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19. He was desperate to hear from God and expected Him to speak in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. But God wasn’t in any of those dramatic displays. Instead, He came in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).
How often do we look for God in the big, extraordinary moments, only to miss Him in the stillness? Faith isn’t always about mountaintop experiences. It’s often about noticing His presence in the quiet and ordinary moments of life.
The deer reminded me of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” That verse is an invitation—not just to physical stillness, but to a heart that’s quiet enough to sense His presence. In a world that’s constantly rushing, being still is an act of trust, a way of saying, “God, I know You’re here, even if I can’t see You clearly right now.”
As I sat in my car, watching the deer, I was struck by their simplicity. They don’t strive or worry. They live quietly, moving through the woods without fanfare, yet their presence brings beauty and peace. Isn’t that often how God works in our lives? He doesn’t always come with thunder or lightning. Sometimes, He shows up in the whisper of the wind, the kindness of a friend, or the beauty of creation right in front of us.
Maybe you’re in a season where God feels hard to see. Maybe life feels dark, and you’re straining to catch even a glimpse of Him. Let me encourage you: just because you can’t always see Him clearly doesn’t mean He isn’t there. Like those deer in the shadows, His presence is constant and faithful.
Take a moment today to pause. Step outside or find a quiet space. Reflect on how God might be showing up in your life. Maybe it’s through a verse of scripture that comes to mind, a gentle nudge in prayer, or the wonder of His creation. These moments, though they may seem small, are sacred reminders of His nearness.
Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” God is always speaking, always guiding, even if it’s in a quiet whisper.
So today, let this be a reminder: God is near. He’s waiting for you to pause, to notice, and to rest in His presence. Like the deer in the darkness, He’s always closer than you think.
