“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” – Psalm 42:2

I used to think that the onus is only on God to satisfy my needs, given that He is God, not me. I also used to think that evidence of His presence, especially in situations of despair, would be manifested in a conspicuous and dramatic form (as He is almighty after all – why not?). This verse helped me to understand that experiencing His grace does not stem from the hole I have dug for myself to grieve in, or the corner I have chosen to isolate myself. God does not need to “appear” before us for us to know that this is not how life needs to be. He is already right here, with and in me the moment I received Christ. And this promise is only as real to me as when I choose to receive His hands of grace and mercy, which are always extended to me. God is always present, because that is who He is and how He chooses to be around us. Although life may not always be within our control, I give thanks that I know now that it is within me to turn to Him and be restored by Him.