How Close is God?

Sometimes God seems to be a million miles away.

​Everything is falling part, nothing seems to be improving, one problem after another rocks our lives, and we wonder, where oh where is God?  Out of the blue tragedy hits. We become bewildered, amazed, shell-shocked.

During these critical crossroads we are filled with so much conflicting emotions like Job who speaking to God asked,” Why do you hide your face and regard me as your enemy?”  Job 13:24 Then in the same breath Job proclaims powerfully, “I know that my Redeemer lives!” Job 19:25

We pray. Tears fall. Joy is fleeting. We cry out. Is God really there?  How close is God?

When I turned 18 dad helped me buy my first car, a 1972 VW Beetle.  The color of the car was yellow, I mean really yellow. I loved the mean-looking gear shift, how I was able to shift like a pro, the cool sounding stereo, and the awesome color. Oh, yeah, did I mention the color?  

Should have been code for lemon. Not long after the purchase things got worse.  The rear muffler system fell completely apart. I was determined to fix this problem on my on. On a cold bleary day I worked and worked to I was blue in my face.  Doom. Agony. I felt disappointed, lonely, tired, and discouraged. I didn’t realize how tough life could be. Hopeless.

As I was standing there defeated a hand gently grasped my shoulder, it was dad. Nothing was needed to be said.  His hug was enough. I poured out my frustration. I needed help. I realized later he had watched me struggle. Taking in everything I was doing. Then at the right moment acted.  Dad was always close. Which is why i miss him dearly.

No man is perfect but God is and He is always, listen, always close by, so close He can count the very hairs on your head, so close he can see the secret chambers of your heart, so close he can hear your cries.  You are not alone and never will be.

In Psalms 116 we have the Psalmist pouring out his heart to God. Why?  Death was knocking on the door. Where can you go at that point? The Psalmist experienced great affliction, trouble, sorrow, to the point of being at the lowest point of life.  To make matters worse no one cared, nobody shed a tear, no one gave him aid.

This song sings of the wonderful truth that God wasn’t a million miles away, He wasn’t sleeping but was very close and listening to every heart-felt word.

God’s answer was filled with grace, mercy, and righteousness. “For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.” Psa. 116:8

You and I need to understand that a war is being waged.  Do I believe in God? If so do I believe He is close by looking out for my best interest even in times when my faith is weak?  Our response should like the Psalmist who pulls us in with these momentous words, “I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long I live!” Psa. 116:1-2

Bruce Kessler Elder/Evangelist, SCV Church of Christ, Norman, OK

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