Life often feels like a burning bush we can't escape. Learn the ancient practice of Lectio Divina to hear God's voice in the middle of your daily chaos.

How to find God when life feels overwhelming

In the middle of a busy week in North America—balancing work, family expectations, and the quiet weight of anxiety—it is easy to feel that God is distant. You might feel like Moses, standing before a burning bush, wondering if the voice you hear is real or just a product of your own exhaustion.

When life feels like a fire that won't go out, you need more than a quick morning prayer. You need a way to slow down and truly listen. The ancient church practice of *Lectio Divina* (Divine Reading) is a way to move from simply reading the Bible to letting the Bible read you.

The Practice: Lectio Divina

*Lectio Divina* is not about intellectual study; it is about conversation. Here is how you can practice it today using Exodus 3:1-15:

1. Silence (Statio): Take two minutes to sit in silence. You are not trying to empty your mind of thoughts, but rather to place your worries at God’s feet. Acknowledge that you are in His presence.

2. Read (Lectio): Read Exodus 3:1-15 slowly. Do not rush to understand the theology. Look for a word or phrase that catches your attention. In this passage, pay attention to the name God gives Himself: I AM WHO I AM (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, ehyeh asher ehyeh). This name carries the meaning of "The One who is always present and self-existent."

3. Meditate (Meditatio): Read the passage again. Let the phrase "I AM" sink into your heart. God is not a historical figure; He is the present reality in your current struggle.

4. Pray (Oratio): Speak back to God. Tell Him where you feel "burned" by life. If you are anxious, tell Him. If you feel inadequate, tell Him.

5. Contemplate (Contemplatio): Simply rest in His presence. You don’t need to do anything. Just be with the One who is.

Why this matters

Moses was just a shepherd, distracted by his daily work, until he turned aside to look at the bush. Your life may feel mundane or overwhelming, but God is waiting in the ordinary. He is the "I AM" who meets you in your specific context—whether you are a first-generation immigrant navigating cultural gaps or a second-generation believer searching for authentic faith. You are not alone; the God who spoke to Moses is the same God who sustains you today.

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