A common question many spiritual directors ask after listening to their clients describe a difficult situation in their life is, ‘Where is God for you?’ I don’t like to ask this question because I believe that’s probably why the person came for spiritual direction: to search for God’s presence in the midst of chaos and confusion, which can be difficult to do alone.
A New Perspective
Spiritual leaders can help by encouraging our leaders to see the situation from a different perspective. Spiritual leader Anne Sussman says: Jewish Spiritual Guidance: An Innovative Guide from Traditional and Contemporary Sources– Rabbi Howard Avram Addison and Barbara Eve Breitman, author of the edited book, Sussman was struck by Addison’s work “Reciprocal Grace.” Rather than limiting the concept of grace to the Christian understanding of it as a free gift humans receive from God, Addison seeks to see it as a flow from God to humans and back again, actually transforming God. Rather than asking, “Where is God for you,” Sussman prefers to ask, “Where are you for God?” Turning the question around can lead to new understanding.
Where are you for God?
This question is based on the premise that we are co-creators with God. Our real life situations, even if they are confusing, are where we find ultimate meaning and purpose. We might be in the following situations:
- Waiting for God to Appear
- I don’t want to interact with God at this time.
- A feeling of helplessness and need for courage
- Do your best
- Seeking Wisdom
- In search of comfort
So in addition to looking for God in the world, we can see the world as God’s creation (God is already here) we We can look forward to the mutual benefits.
Source: Spiritual Direction 101 – www.patheos.com
