woman in white long sleeve shirt holding brown round food on white ceramic plate

, | 30 Aug 2021 | by GEM

Coffee Table God

by Angie Raineri

Key Verse: Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.  

– Exodus 33:11a, ESV

Do you have a coffee table God?  I do!  Let me tell you about Him.

One morning during my quiet time, I was prompted by what I was reading, “I want to be more aware of how God is present and near and trust in His care and love.”  I asked the Lord to show me what that looked like; and He did!

I imagined myself having coffee with a very dear friend.  It was just the two of us sitting at a quiet table for two, enjoying each other’s company, chatting about our pasts and the future.  I was content.  She was happy.  There were no worries or concerns during this time.  It was just me and my girlfriend, sitting and having coffee.  I spoke, she listened.  She spoke, I listened.  We talked, laughed, cried.

Then, in my imagination, Jesus became the person sitting across the table from me.  My girlfriend was gone, and I was having coffee with my very best friend, Jesus!  He was no longer this image that I held at arm’s length.  He wasn’t just out there somewhere.  He was sitting across from me, having a conversation, and drinking coffee.  We talked, we laughed, we cried.  I talked, He listened.  He talked, I listened.  I have never had a more intimate conversation with the lover of my soul.

Now you are probably thinking, that’s great, Angie.  Glad you got to experience that.  But now what?  Well, now when I’m feeling distant from God or even a little dry in our friendship, I do what I do when I need to talk to my friend.  I call Him up and ask Him for coffee.  He always makes time for me, and we are never rushed to part ways.

Reflection Verse

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.

– Psalm 138:1, 3, ESV

Reflection Questions

  • Imagine having coffee with your friend, Jesus.  What are you saying?  What is He saying?  What is the interaction like?  Journal your conversation.

  • How would you respond to this, “I want to be more aware of how God is present and near and trust in His care and love.”  Journal your thoughts and response.

  • How do you like to spend time with your close friends? Can you imagine Jesus with you in that situation?