As I finished a Zoom call, I quietly closed my laptop and walked to the window to open the wooden blinds. Then I froze.
What was that?
For a split second I wondered if someone had placed a statue in my yard as a joke. Earlier I'd been a little disappointed. Rain clouds were gathering, which meant the lawn would have to wait and the deck wouldn't get painted as I'd planned.
But suddenly, none of that mattered.
Lying perfectly still on the lush green grass beside the pond was a magnificent buck with an impressive rack of antlers. Resting peacefully beneath my yard sign that read "No Panic Zone," he looked completely at ease—as if he didn't have a care in the world.
For just a moment, I wondered if I had somehow caught a glimpse of heaven. For nearly two hours he remained there, my unexpected piece of living artwork. Peaceful. Majestic. Unhurried.
I couldn't help but wonder...
Had God sent this beautiful surprise simply to quiet my heart? I gratefully received it as a gentle reminder of His nearness.
Scripture reminds us there is nowhere we can go to escape God's presence. "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me." (Psalm 139: 7-10)
So how does God show us his presence every day?
First, God is present everywhere at all times. One of the ways we are reminded of His presence with us is through the beauty of His creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
There are many ways to experience the presence of God. My favorite way, in addition to nature, is through a song. Ellie Holcomb's song Where Can I Go perfectly describes the inescapable love of God.
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. your right hand will hold me fast."
That afternoon, the lawn remained unmowed and the deck untouched. Yet God had accomplished something far more important than crossing items off my to-do list.
He reminded me that His presence is never dependent on my circumstances or my schedule. Sometimes He whispers through His Word, sometimes through a song, and sometimes through the quiet beauty of His creation.
The next time disappointment clouds your plans, pause and look around. You may discover that God has already placed a reminder of His love right in front of you. After all, when He is near, every place becomes a "No Panic Zone."