Polling God

What do you think God thinks of you? Is there not a more useless --- and useful --- question as you start your day?

What I believe about whether McCain, Clinton, Huckabee, Obama, or Romney will be President has some --- but very little --- bearing on my spirits as I go about my work. What I believe about God's attitude toward me colors every transaction --- like an eyedropper of food coloring in a cup of water that permeates completely.

Is He disappointed with me? Ticked off? Is He "a hot friend cooling" (Shakespeare's Julius Caesar) because I am an underachiever? Do I believe he swept me off my feet in a whirlwind courtship in 1974 and then left me at the church after the wedding, to fend for myself as He moved on to the 20/40 window where all the spiritual action is nowadays?

Or do I believe that "the King is enthralled with your beauty" (Psalm 45:11)? Do I think that even when I have failed for the thousandth time, He says, "How can I give you up….How can I hand you over….? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused (Hosea 11:8).

I don't settle the question of God's attitude toward me by idle speculation; it's far too important. I ransack His word. I want hard evidence. His voice silences my condemning voice: "Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27).

That's a little bit of a scolding, but never was there a more joyful scolding.