Closer Than You Think

Jan 3, 2021    Ron Barnard

He’s Closer than you think.

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. Acts 17:24-25 ESV

Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn't play hide-and-seek with us. He's not remote; he's near. Acts 17:26-27 MSG

God created all of us for closeness, not because He needed to, but because He wanted to.

For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:28 NLT

Whether you know or acknowledge Him or not, you can’t exist without God.

I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant. I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:21-26 NLT

Those who desert him will perish,for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. Psalm 73:27-28 NLT

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. - Saint Augustine

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8 ESV

Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month, nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. Leviticus 23:27 NLT

Closer than you think.

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 NLT

God isn’t hard to find if you’re honestly looking, because He’s right beside you.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT