9 Ways to Notice God in Your Ordinary Day

It recently occurred to me how easy it is to miss moments with God. He shows up not only in the high-stakes trials of life but also in the ordinary moments; we just need to know where to look for Him.

There are small ways to notice God today. Let’s look at them together.

An Unexpected Text

A couple of months ago, I felt overwhelmed and isolated while finishing my graduate school thesis after having to start over the term before.

One day, my phone buzzed with a text from a good friend from high school whom I rarely see or communicate with outside of social media. She said, “Hey, I was just thinking about you.”

These are moments when God lets us “find joy” in a “timely word” (Proverbs 15:23, NIV).

Green Lights in Traffic

We’ve all had mornings when we turn into the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. I’ve been there.

I remember one time running late while staying with my in-laws as our house was being worked on. I got a lecture on my way out the door, a toddler clung to my leg, and my boss was waiting for me.

I spilled my to-go breakfast in the car and knew I was going to be late. But then every light I hit was green, and I even got a great parking space.

At first glance, one might assume luck was in play. But what if that small assist is God giving you enough breathing room to settle your spirit as He “watches over your coming and going” (Psalm 121:8, NIV)? Looking back, I know that was Him.

Quiet Moments

I remember pulling into my driveway after a long day of one crisis call after another.

I put the engine in park, turned the radio off, and sat in silence for a full minute before going inside.

When I sat down to write this piece, I reflected on that and realized I was taking time to be still so I could feel God’s presence (Psalm 46:10, NIV).

Small Answered Prayers

Silly story time: We live in an apartment and use the laundry room at our complex. Being the creature of habit that I am, I do the laundry every Friday and check the mail then, since it is a bit of a walk and right next door.

A couple of weeks ago, I forgot to hang up the mailbox key. On the walk to the box, I muttered a quick prayer that I’d find it. Later, as I loaded the washing machine, I found it in my pocket. Sure enough, while seeking God, I found Him… and my mailbox key (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).

Sunshine

Imagine walking to the park with your little one while carrying the mental load for your family: schedule that oral surgery consultation, help your ninth grader plan World History, and remember flu shots and heartworm prevention.

Perhaps it’s overcast and chilly, but not so cold that you need to bundle up. Then a patch of sunlight warms your face just as you take the first full breath since leaving your house.

I don’t feel those moments are coincidences. In my mind, “the Lord [makes] His face shine on [us]” (Numbers 6:25, NIV).

Song Lyrics

A few years back, I had a series of unfortunate events at work. I worked in social services, and every day felt like a hula hoop on fire.

On the way home, I turned on the radio to the contemporary Christian station. If I’m being honest, my go-to is 90s Country, but something told me to listen. “The Motions” by Matthew West played, and every lyric resonated in my soul.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV).

Laughter

Did you know that the adage, “laughter is the best medicine,” is scripturally accurate? Proverbs 17:22, NIV, reminds us that “a cheerful heart is good medicine” and warns that “a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Sometimes, a burst of laughter in a moment of chaos or stress helps us calm the old nervous system. I have three kids, and when they were little, especially my younger two, who are only eighteen months apart, an impromptu dance party or me acting silly would bring the best belly laughs.

I’ve found that when I step back in those brief moments, I notice God’s presence in them.

Gentle Nudges  

Have you ever noticed a persistent or recurring thought to check in on someone?

I’ve learned over the years that those thoughts may be gentle nudges from God, inviting us to play a minor role in seeking out someone who isn’t doing well. When we offer to listen, we show them God’s affection, and that can have a tremendous impact.

1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV, calls us to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Morning Caffeine with God.

Now, I don’t know about you, but my morning energy drink is more than hydration. It is my caffeinated emotional support beverage.

Including God in your morning routine is a chance to express gratitude for waking up.

Psalm 34:8, NIV, lends itself well to sharing coffee time with God. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

Remember Jacob

Jacob thought to himself in Genesis 28:16, NIV, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” Jacob was running for his life, exhausted and alone. It wasn’t until God met him in a dream that night that he realized he’d been in God’s presence all along.

Worry not, friends: even in the small, ordinary moments of our lives, God is never very far away. Seek Him out, and trust that He is there.