4 Ways We Can See God in Everyday Life

Written by Justin Y, Philippines

I often go through moments during the day when I forget that God’s here with me, and it often happens when I’m doing “secular” activities—work, chores, hobbies.

One of my hobbies is listening to classical music, especially when I’m at work, to keep the dreariness of my job from consuming me. Occasionally, a beautiful piece comes up in my playlist—e.g., Vaughan William’s “The Lark Ascending”—and for a brief moment, I am transported to a different reality, one filled with grandeur and beauty. The wonderful music reminds me there is more to this life than what meets the eye, and I remember the One who created such beauty in the first place.

Moments like this make me realise, as Jacob did at Bethel, that the Lord is here, even though I do not know it (Genesis 28:16). It has moved me to acknowledge that He is always with me, no matter where I am or what I do (Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 139:7-10).

Being reminded of God’s presence moves us to turn our spiritual eyes heavenward, and to reflect on His steadfast love and faithfulness in our lives.

So, how can we “better see” God in our everyday lives? We can pray for that and anticipate that God will call our attention to Him.

Here are four ways we can see more of God:

1. Seeing God in creation

Whenever I see a bird perched on the windowsill, or see the sun shining from the window, or feel a light breeze on my face, I consider them as reminders of the Maker and the wonderful way He’s created all these for His and our pleasure.

Scripture says, “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). He makes the grass grow (Psalm 104:14), sends rain in its season (Jeremiah 5:24), and prescribes limits to the waves of the sea (Job 38:10–11).

Beyond reminding us of God’s existence and power, creation teaches us to look to Him as our provider and helper. Jesus asks us to consider how God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field, so that we need not worry about what we eat or wear (Matthew 6:25–33). We can look to the hills and remember that the same God who created them is the One who helps us (Psalm 121:1–2).

I feel blessed to have studied in a university with a lot of green spaces. Whenever I felt anxious about an upcoming exam, I would study in areas close to nature to see birds hopping on the grass or the trees swaying in the wind, so I could be reminded that the Creator of the universe was there with me. It is He who is the source of all wisdom and understanding, and whatever the exam results may be, everything was going to be all right.

2. Seeing God in earthly gifts

While the natural world is a gift from God, we may sometimes feel it’s less personal, unlike the specific gifts God gives each of us—the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the roof over our heads, the skills and talents we have, our friends and family.

Whenever I consider the gifts I receive from God, be it a nice cup of coffee or a big scoop of ice cream, my heart overflows with thankfulness. These gifts show how God personally cares for us, and each gift reveals another facet of His goodness. Food and drinks could have been created dull and bland, consumed only for survival’s sake, but we enjoy a great variety of tastes and flavours from what God has created (and He’s given us tastebuds to enjoy these foods!). It was no surprise that in the wedding at Cana, Jesus did not just make any wine, but good wine (John 2:1-10).

If we enjoy the sweetness of honey and get energized by it, what more the sweetness of God’s Word (Psalm 119:103) and the spiritual nourishment we get from it? The promises of God in His Word are delightful to my soul; they give me the strength and courage to face the future.

If we enjoy the company of our close friends, how much more the abiding company of Jesus, our truest Friend? I’ve been blessed to have friends who are kind, loving, and compassionate, who stick with me through thick and thin. I thank God for them and how He has shown His grace through them, and I rejoice even more that Jesus is infinitely kinder, more loving, and more compassionate than I can imagine.

Our Father knows how to give us good gifts (James 1:17). While we may take most of them for granted, we should be more mindful of each gift and thank the Giver of the gifts we enjoy every day.

3. Seeing God in work

God has commissioned work for humans even before the fall (Genesis 2:15). Work was part of God’s design, which means it’s not just a burden. We each have our God-given vocation here on earth. For example, when we order a meal from a restaurant, we are blessed by the work of the farmer, the chef, and everyone else in between that’s involved in the process of producing the food. Through His providence, God can use our work to bless others.

My work involves managing the finances of a small business of around ten employees. On the surface, monitoring cash flows doesn’t seem to make much impact compared to other “grander” vocations, but I have learned that the Lord in His infinite wisdom assigns different magnitudes of work to each person according to His purposes. Even as I write this, I am preaching this to myself, and praying that I will get to see God more in my work and see work as more than just a means to earn an income.

As A. W. Tozer said, “It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.” I know that in my work, I am ultimately accountable to God, and every small work done excellently—the writing of checks or the double-checking of calculations—will not go unnoticed.

While work may often be unpleasant and dreary due to the fall (Genesis 3:17–19), we can rest assured that every work done heartily unto the Lord will be rewarded (Colossians 3:23–24). Whatever work we do, big or small, paid or unpaid, we know that our labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) and we can look to Him for the grace needed for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

4. Seeing God in trials

Trials and suffering are guaranteed parts of the Christian life (Acts 14:22), whether it’s bodily ailments, financial troubles, persecutions, or even minor inconveniences. These moments of suffering serve as reminder that this world is not our permanent home, and that our home is ultimately with God.

Whenever I don’t feel well, be it a migraine, nausea, or hyperacidity, I find comfort knowing that in heaven, my glorified body will know neither sickness nor pain. While these frequent ailments do feel frustrating sometimes, they have taught me to be more humble and more dependent upon the strength God provides.

Each trial is an opportunity to again trust God and rely on His all-sufficient grace in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). As we go through many afflictions, we are encouraged not to lose heart, given that an eternal weight of glory is being prepared for us, and its unseen reward is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16–18).

As we seek God more intentionally in our everyday, may we get to experience the joy of His fellowship. Behold, He is with us always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).