Wherever You Go, God Is!

During his days as guest lecturer at Calvin Seminary, R.B. Kuiper once used the following illustration of God's sovereignty and human responsibility: "I liken them to two ropes going through two holes in the ceiling and over a pulley above. If I wish to support myself by them, I must cling to them both. If I cling only to one and not the other, I go down."    -R.B. Kuiper

"Where is God when I need him?" seems to be a a popular question for many people. It is a serious question, and a serious challenge. The immediate problem is clear. I need God because of some particular situation in my life, but he seems absent, distant, uninterested.

Maybe you find yourself asking this question at this very moment - it might be because of some illness you’re battling, or long-term suffering, or some home situation, or you have a decision and need some help, guidance, or intervention. Like so many others, you pray, you search for God, but he appears to be absent. Where is God? Why doesn't he do something? What can we expect or demand of God? Why doesn't he answer my prayers?

Because the Lord is good, we can and should depend on him all the time, not just when things are rough. God is not just a rainy day God - just sitting waiting around until we think we need him. For example, I recently read an article about this exact attitude. I am paraphrasing here, but the piece went something like this: "I had made him a God of crying and tears. When life got hard and painful, I would go see him, take my problems and cry with him. When life got good, I would walk away and eventually pat myself on the back for all the good times I was experiencing."

Do you do this with God? We demand him to be present and helping when we need him, but then when we don’t need him we’re not interested. Where is God when I need him? The very same place he is when we think we don’t need him!

What we’re seeing here is that, rather than God being absent or distant, God is near as we suffer, that God is watching - not in a nosy, or spiteful way - but watching with eyes of compassion, and quick to listen. You see, God doesn't sleep, God isn't distracted - he always watches and listens to us.

But this might raise another question for you - if God is right there, near to the broken-hearted, and I’m taking refuge in him, then why doesn't he do something to show it? Why doesn't he answer my prayers or intervene to change things when I cry to him? Let's turn to the Apostle Paul for an example.

Paul was one of the first Christian leaders, a missionary, who traveled great distances telling people about Jesus. He was one of the leading Christians, and yet he suffered from what is described as a "thorn in the flesh." It was some particular ailment or illness or situation, which Paul found incredibly difficult. So he does what you or I would do, and prays to God to take it away. Here’s the answer the Lord gave: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It’s not that the Lord didn't answer Paul’s prayer - it’s just not the answer Paul expected. Could it be that when we pray to God that we have one desired outcome, like taking a shopping list to God, wanting ‘yes’ answers all the time?

C.S. Lewis was once asked if God forsakes those who serve him best. "He who served him best of all said, near his tortured death, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ When God becomes man, that Man of all others, is least comforted by God, at his greatest need."

As Jesus died on the cross, he knew the loneliness of separation from God. He suffers in our place, stands where we should have stood; and therefore, is the one who sympathizes with our weakness and suffering. Indeed, the Lord Jesus promises all who trust in him: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

You know, it is sort of mind boggling when you think about the omnipresence of God, that God is everywhere, that He is transcendent. Did you ever stop to think that God doesn't have to go anywhere He is already there? And God is a God who is present no matter where you are.

The Bible says that He is everywhere. That you can't hide yourself in a secret place from God. Even though it be the depth of the sea, God would be there. Even though it would be the grave, God would be there. Wherever you go, God is. There is no point in the entire universe where God is not. Not just the earth, but also the whole universe, where God is not. God is everywhere.

So in a sense, it is impossible for God not to be present in your life, because God is omnipresent and He is not limited by time, He is not limited by space, He is not limited by location. Now that is hard for us to conceive because we are finite creatures and we are limited to time and space.

Have you ever tried to be in two places at the same time? I can try to be in several places at one time, but it is impossible for me to do. Yet, God can do that because that is the nature of God; His presence is everywhere.

So, where is God when you and I need him? He is closer than you think, if you will but cry out to him, and take refuge in him.

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Psalm 115:3; Ephesians 1:11-12; Lamentations 3:37;  Proverbs 19:21; Ecclesiastes 7:13-14; Matthew 6:34; Psalm 115:3; 1 John 2:5   

Prayer: Lord, may everything I do begin with Your inspiration, continue with Your help, and reach perfection under Your guidance. With Your loving care guide me in my daily actions. Help me to persevere with love and sincerity. Amen

-thanks to Stan Coffey and Gary McMurray

May God always be with you,

Alison