PROMISE #254 - SEPTEMBER 11

"That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us." ~Acts 17:27

This was said by the Apostle Paul to a large group of Greek philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens. This verse is part of a discourse in which Paul speaks to a statue of an "unknown god” and tells all the listeners who God is. This verse, and the next verse, are a couple I like in Paul’s proclamation of the gospel in the Bible. "That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us: For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring." (Acts 17:27-29).

Paul tells these pagan people that God is so near that they can reach out and touch Him, for in Him we live and move and have our being. The fact is that the universe is not in God; rather, God is in the universe! Colossians 1 says the Bible teaches that Jesus is the glue that holds everything together—every proton, every electron, every atom. The very presence of Jesus holds all of this creation together.

As you think on this promise today, may God give you the awareness of His presence with you. He is not far away in some distant land, but nearer than you can think! So reach out today and find the love of your Father is with you wherever you are.

Prayer:

Thank you, Father, for always being close to me even when I feel so alone. Help me to remember today that nothing in all creation can ever separate me from Your extravagant love in Christ regardless of what my shifting emotions or circumstances try to tell me. The truth that sets me free is knowing that You come near to me when I cry out to You.

I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.