The Same God

This latest picture from the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope or DKIST is of our own star, the sun. MIT Technology Review describes the picture above:

“The image shows a surface that’s divided up into discrete, Texas-size cells, like cracked sections in the desert soil. You can see plasma oozing off the surface, rising into the air before sinking back into darker lanes.”

Tons of these plasma surfaces, all Texas sized. Makes me stop and think.

Everyone I’ve shared this picture with stare in awe—atheists and theists alike. We hold our breath lost in wonder at the sheer size and energy of this star. It sustains the earth, it keeps us alive.

I believe in a Higher Being. I intellectually comprehend that this is the same God who made the earth and its inhabitants.

And then I take my thoughts to the next step. This IS the same Being that wants to have a personal relationship with me. Every day. The Greatest Being desires a relationship with all of us—not from afar, but deep and intimate and everlasting.

I don’t believe God sits up on some golden throne watching but not engaging. He is active in each and every one of us. He tugs at our hearts to do the right thing, He turns our hearts to mush when we see something beautiful. He is there in the everyday suffering and joys alike.

As humans, we are drawn to beauty and power. We see successful people and we want to get to know them. We idolize Hollywood stars and powerful business moguls. And we think if we could just get to know them or ask them their secrets, we could be beautiful and powerful too.

But how often do we stop and ask God all those same questions we would ask the people we idolize?

The same Creative Power that created the hug sun with all its Texas-sized plasma cells is waiting. 

My guess? He’s got better answers than those we look to on earth.