Knowing God Like Water is Wet

Habakkuk 2:14

The first thing that came to mind when I read today’s verse is that a fish doesn’t know it’s wet. The whole idea is that when you are so immersed in an environment, it shapes your frame of reference to such a degree that you can’t contemplate anything else.

Habakkuk shared the prophecy that one day the world will know of God in such a personal way that it will completely define the way we know reality. That phrase about how the water covers the sea states it perfectly because there is no sea without water. The time will come when the world will not be able to plumb the depths of reality without first acknowledging that there is no reality apart from God.

There is no doubt we are quite a ways from that time, but this week leading up to Christmas gives us a fleeting glimpse. Everything is different…the soundtrack to life swells with different music; we interact with people differently; we spend our money differently; the air wafts different aromas of seasonal goodies; our clocks and calendars shift from work or school responsibilities to family gatherings; and a mosaic of colorful, twinkling lights illuminate the cold, persistent darkness. This Christmas season gives us the faintest of fleeting ideas what life could be like with a different awareness of God’s presence among us. We know it isn’t about toys, elves, reindeer, and treats — this is about Immanuel…God with us…Jesus.

The day will come when what we feel this time of year will better reflect our entire experience of life, God, and life with God. Until then, may those who know of God’s glory seek to make the Lord known for all, and Christmas is the perfect time to start!