Psalm 145:17-21 (NIV)
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.
So, where is God?
This is one of the great questions humanity has asked since we figured out how to start asking questions.
Sometimes, we fall back into the visions that artists have given us throughout the ages.
God is far away, somewhere "up there." He's got a big, flowing, white beard. He's seated on a grand throne looking down upon his creation.
But that's not really the picture we get from the Bible.
Far more often, scripture tells us that God's location is "near."
God's own favorite term for describing his location seems to be "with." As in, "I am with you."
This season of Advent and Christmas that we're approaching is the celebration of Immanuel, which means, "God with us."
Still, that promise doesn't satisfy us too well. "Near" sounds good, but it's still a little fuzzy. How does "with" work?
Maybe the better image of God is Michelangelo's famous image of the outstretched hand, almost touching Adam's. Psalm 145 tells us that God is so near, and waiting to save "those who call on him."
This is a good time to close that gap, and make a "call." The prayer is simple..."be with us today...save us..."
Prayer: God our Father, this Psalm reminds us of who and how you are: righteous, loving, near, hearing, saving, fulfilling and watchful. You are worthy of our praise.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.
Tomorrow's Scripture: Luke 20:27-38
4 comments:
I often struggle with where God is in my life. Wonder if He is anywhere close to me at all. Sometimes doubting that I'm even worthy of a glance. However, someone very close to me said that regardless of who I am or what I am, God is there. Listening. Waiting for me to allow Him to be near. Adam...so eerie how your blogs hit home so often. :)
I feel the same way sometimes but every time I try to figure out where he went I realize that he went no where. I am the one that strayed off. God is consistent he does not leave and he will not leave.
Amen, Andrew. Took the words right out of my mouth, buddy.
Check out John Ortberg, "God is Closer Than You Think," a book that we did some time ago at SOTH. Same concept -- not God's proximity that changes, but our openness and awareness.
When we go through a dry cycle, really closed up and spiritually struggling, it can seem for all the world like God has left us.
That's why we've got some good, God-given tools at our disposal to keep the water flowing --- prayer, scripture, worship, relationships, service and giving. Staying in these things tends to keep us aware of God's presence. It's a lifelong practice, and droughts will come but hopefully less and less frequently and severely.
Great comments everybody!
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