Where is God?...Where Is He Not?

"What does it mean to have a god, or, what is God? I answer: a god is that from which we are to expect everything good and to which we are to take refuge in all times of need."  - Martin Luther

Results of a 2013 Harris Poll found that a compelling majority (74%) of U.S. adults believe in God. However, this belief has declined when compared to previous years. In 2005, 2007 and 2009 just over four in five (82%) expressed a belief in God.

As shown by this research, and several others, people's feelings about the existence of God can be quite unique. In fact, even talking about, or sharing thoughts on God can be like stirring up a beehive with some. But then again, this is nothing new.

In Scripture, we can find many instances where this very "belief in God" issue was debated (Deuteronomy 1:32; Numbers 14:11; Psalm 78:22; Hebrews 4:2). Fortunately for you and I, God is very patient. He faithfully waits because he doesn't want anyone to be lost. He desires for everyone to change both their hearts and lives (2 Peter 3:9).

We know from the Bible and our own selfish experiences that idols come in various forms. The heart's confidence and faith make both God and an idol. However, there is only one God. What makes the difference?

If your faith and confidence are honest and true, your God will be, as well. On the other hand, if your confidence and faith is false and unsound, you do not have the truthful God. Thus, faith and God are indeed complementary concepts.

Winston Churchill once commented that, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." Many times, even though the answer is right there in front of us, we step right over it.

For some unknown reason many seem to feel that because something is more complicated it just has to be better. I don't think God intended for us to feel that way about Him, though. Even the simplest, most basic things contain enough wonder to make one feel humbled by His mighty works.

Mankind has quarreled endlessly about the existence or non-existence of God. Yet, while generations come and go, God remains the same (Malachi 3:6; Revelation 1:8). We were created by Him, in His image (Genesis 1:27). Each one of us, whether we agree or not, contains God within.

God is as real as the clouds in the sky, the dirt on the ground, the pulse in your wrist, and the sun as it rises in the morning. He is always there for us, not because He has to prove that he is, but because He loves us. Like a young child who has yet to learn life's lessons. so are we to God.

When my children were growing up, now and then, they would encounter something age innappropriate which they did not understand. They would ask me about it, and after some serious thought I might answer, "Some day you'll understand." Of course, they weren't always satisfied with this, but as their parent I made the judgment call.

This is so with our God. We may ask or wonder why, expecting an answer. Sometimes He gives it to us, other times He doesn't. It's not for us to demand, or throw a tantrum if His answer, or lack of, doesn't meet our expectations.

And although our belief in Him may ebb and flow across time, He patiently waits for us. God is there, always has been, and always will be. Family, friends, civilizations, and even we will come and go. But God will be there eternally.

I will close with a quote by Aaron Arrowsmith which sums up today's message quite succinctly, "A heathen philosopher once asked a Christian, 'Where is God'? The Christian answered, 'Let me first ask you, Where is He not?' Great food for thought!

Scripture: John 3:16; John 1:1; Luke 1:47-49; Hebrews 12:6; James 2:19

Prayer: O God, teach me to breathe deeply in faith. Amen   (Søren Kierkegaard)

God bless you,

Cherise