God’s Proximity

It’s a new day, and miracles are happening all around us. As we come back to the Lord’s prayer again, I want you to know that I am believing for a miracle in your life right now, friend! The prayer Jesus taught us starts with:

“Our Father, in heaven”. This phrase translates, “Our Father in the heavens”.  The word “heaven” is plural. In the ancient world, they divided up the “heavens” into the terra sphere, the atmosphere, and everything else that was beyond that. To the original listener, the heavens were the realm of space and the air right around us. I love this! To me, Jesus is saying God is not far off! He is not distant, He is not removed, and He is in the heavens that I adore at night and in the air that swirls around me. He is always near! 

I think about this when I pray, “God, I want to invite your presence” or  “I welcome your presence”. As if my welcome had some influence on whether or not God would show up! No, God is already here, there, and everywhere. He is closer than a breath and my prayer is that I become more aware of a presence that is already promised and assured.

friend, as you contemplate the beautiful and miraculous truth that God is always near, I want to remind you of the beautiful reflection from Psalm 139. Take your time and read it slowly. Allow the miracle of the promise to speak to your heart as God whispers His truth to you:

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:1-6, NIV) 

friend, today, you are held by God. He knows you and He holds you as you pray:

“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13, NKJV) 

You are a miracle!