I’ve often thought about this one question.
I need to answer this question honestly. My answers to this inquiry have helped to guide my life. When I take time to ponder this question seriously, the answers I come up with keep me on track to living a fulfilled life.
So, what is the question?
I’ll take you back to the beginning of time in the Bible to find this question.
Here it is in Genesis chapter three and verse nine. “Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (NLT)
“Where are you?” is the first recorded question God asked humankind.
It indeed was not a geographical inquiry by God.
The issue was soul-searching.
People do stupid things when they do not know where they are at in the present moment. When God appeared in the garden, Adam and Eve hid behind a tree. Hence the ‘tree hugger’ movement had begun! They were avoiding the question God had asked. When we answer this question honestly, we spy our actual reality of where we are at this moment in time.
Three choices.
It is surprising to me that many people continue to go on their merry way disregarding their reality.
People choose one of three ways when this question is asked of them; “where are you? Many do not answer this question honestly. In fact, some don’t even give an answer. Instead, people do this:
1. Ignore the issue by getting busy doing trivial things. Such as hiding behind trees.
2. Object to the person for asking such a personal question. They choose to shoot the messenger rather than considering the message.
3. The wise ones ponder the reality as it is at this time in their life. Honestly forming a soul-searching response to the ‘where are you’ which leads to fulfillment.
God spoke the question at the beginning of time, it still resonates down through the centuries to this very day; “where are you?”
To answer this question honestly, I need to take a reality checkup.
1. Spiritually is my experience on right standing with God?
2. Are my relationships with other people thriving and positive?
3. Am I using my resources wisely?
Summing this up; where am I at spiritually, physically, financially, socially and morally?
“The word ‘question’ originates from the Latin root, quaestio, which means ‘to seek.’ Inside the word, ‘question’ is the word ‘quest,’ suggesting that within every question is an adventure, a pursuit which can lead us to hidden treasure.” – Tom Wujec
So, God stands before you today; He poses the question; “Where are you? Will you ignore, object, or ponder this inquiry He raises? Or, are you still ‘hiding behind trees?
“Everyone who got where he is has had to begin where he was.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
The second aspect of this first question God asked is incredible! Think about it for a moment. God comes to humanity; His reach is toward us. God approaching us sets the whole narrative of the Bible apart from other religions.
Answer this question honestly, and you live a more abundant life.
I’d like to see your comments. Give your insight on this post. Did it cause you to think, where you are today? Did I miss something? Let me know. Use the comment box to write your notes. If you deem this post worthy of reading, please post it on your social pages.
Thank you,
Richard Armstrong
Woods picture by Valerity Andrnshko – Unsplash
Yes you did cause me to stop and think about this: “Where are you?” Since God is omniscient He already knows where we are, but as you said the question is to make us think and hopefully respond appropriately. I like the thought you put into this. Are we hungering and thirsting for His righteousness, are we being intentional about our walk with Him, are we trying to be more like Him. I’m going to meditate more on this question. Thank you Uncle Richard.
Thank you, Tom. Yes, it is indeed a soul question that God asks each of us. We do well when we give more thought to where we are. Thanks for your comment, Uncle Richard