Essence

“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?” Job 11:7

On vacation this summer, I experienced the north coast and surrounding redwoods in a new way. It was November everywhere I went. Damp, heavy air muffled noises. Soft carpets of wet leaves thickened the trail. Misty breaths and breezes cooled and cleared my summer smoke-weary lungs. The smell of campfires rose above the trees.

Have I captured the essence of it yet? Can you feel what I felt? No? I’ll keep trying.

Ancient redwoods darkened roadways, creating canopies and tunnels of shadows. Solitary birds soared and called from above. Furry squirrels perched on felled logs, sitting up straight, nibbling at a nut held in their little paws.

Now? Not yet?

Pumpkin pie. Turkey. Laughter. Warm, yellow light dancing in windows. Families yakking comfortably as if they hadn’t been apart since last November. Juicy pears and apples that dribble down your chin. Nuts to crack open. Nippy morning air, our breath leaving our body in condensed puffs.

Have I captured the essence yet? Can you feel what I feel? Do you know the nature of November—its features, what is different about it, what it means to me? Such is the job of a writer: find the words. Tell the story. Bring it to life so the reader can be there in it. I haven’t done it at all. The essence of November is still stuck in my mind, not really represented well by my words. How do I know? Because if a person from, say, India, was to read this, they would be scratching their heads. This is not their November experience at all.

This is my problem as I try to capture the essence of God on paper. Who could do such a thing? Who could describe The Light of the World to unbelievers, and make them understand? What words will make a person see God, a Spirit Who cannot be seen? What words would adequately tell of His glory, His exploits, His beauty, His perfection? What human expression could define and explain The Morning Star? What created being could interpret The Way? What language or speech would one have to know in order to describe The Ancient of Days? How can one precisely articulate His being, His uncreated-ness, His far-aboveness?

As a believer, it is my privilege and grave responsibility to try. Never-changing, universal, all-knowing, omniscient Spirit. Creator, sustainer, protector, giver of life and all things. Teacher, counselor, master, owner, king, healer, lover, judge, sovereign. The I Am That I Am.

How did I do? I thought so. Not even close.

I will never find the words to express God’s exact image, but Jesus already did it. He was God’s essence on earth, and when He left, He gave us God’s essence (the Holy Spirit) to dwell within us. This thing I cannot find the words to tell about, has nevertheless taken up residence within me.

I may not have the ability to write it completely, but I can shine a light. I can point to the Word (Jesus, the essence, the image of the Father); I can tell what I do know, what I have seen, what I am convinced of. This burning passion within me to help others know the essence of God must be lived out. If I can’t find words for it, I can at least live it and shine a light on The One Who Dwells Within.

Father, You have deposited Your essence within us. Help us to live as if we were possessed by very God Himself—You—for indeed, we are. Amen.