Powerful, wealthy, and famous people are really hard to talk to. If I asked Bill Gates to meet me for coffee, do you think he’d show up? If I looked for Taylor Swift near her home in Beverly Hills, do you think I would find her? If I showed up and knocked on the White House door, do you think I’d get an audience with the president?

Fortunately, God is not a recluse. He doesn’t ignore or turn away people who seek Him out. He doesn’t wear a disguise or hire bodyguards. He doesn’t hide out at a private estate with impenetrable walls, security cameras, and privacy hedges.

“For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭8,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God is delighted to make Himself present for anyone who asks for Him, looks for Him, or knocks on His door. God is more powerful than any human could ever be, yet He makes himself available anytime, anywhere to all sincere seekers.

And a funny thing happens when I spend time with God. Often, the thing I came to ask Him about doesn’t really seem to be what I want anymore. Sometimes, something better comes to mind.

One time, back when Dorothy Hamill won her gold medal, I really wanted a haircut like hers, as did every other young girl. Fortunately, when I requested one from the stylist who was about to cut my hair, she talked kindly to me about the curliness of my hair, the shape of my face, and my lifestyle. She showed me some photos of haircuts that were much more suitable for me. We agreed on a different style. Because of her gentle wisdom, I wasn’t disappointed that I didn’t leave with a Dorothy Hamill wedge. I was excited to show off my adorable bob.

Hanging out with God is like that. Maybe I came to the meeting wanting something that wasn’t right for me, not healthy or good. When I listen to His loving wisdom, my desires change. God delights in giving me good things because He loves me. But He doesn’t just slam the door in my face when I ask for the wrong thing. We talk about it. And if I listen with an open heart, I grow, learn, change, and get the best.

Dear God, thank you for your promise to be present with me always. Thank you also for your loving desire to give good gifts to your children. Help me to trust you to know what is good for me. You know me, and you know my future. Open my heart to change my desires so they line up with your plan for me.