September 11, 2020
In His Presence
Arlene Pellicane
Today’s Truth
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us (Acts 17:26-27 NIV).
Friend to Friend
When we were new parents, my husband James and I lovingly referred to our baby as “the lump.” Ethan was like a sack of potatoes, not moving an inch unless we helped him. Yet that lump brought us so much joy! But like any baby, he did a lot of crying.
I remember when he was about six weeks old, and he was crying and crying upstairs in his crib. I had all my parenting books cracked open. Was he hungry? Wet? Needing to be held? Too hot, too cold? Sleep deprived, I headed towards his room. He was raising the roof with his loud crying. I walked over to his crib and stood over my screaming lump.
I spoke softly to him, “How are you doing little one?”
To my surprise, he immediately stopped crying. He blinked a few times, then closed his eyes. After a minute or two, I slipped out of the room. He was fast asleep.
That was the first time I remember Ethan being soothed simply by my presence. He wasn’t hungry or wet. He just wanted to know I was there.
Babies aren’t the only ones who need this kind of reassurance. Adults need this reassurance also. Someone to say, “That happens to me too!” or “I understand what you mean.”
We also need to know that God is near.
Today’s truth reminds us that we are all created by God and placed in “appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” In other words, God knows exactly where you live! He knows the way to your room. He has placed you in this generation for a reason. He looks for people who will seek Him. You can imagine God leaning forward, ready to spring into action when you call on His name. Today’s truth says, “He is not far from any one of us.”
The Bible begins and ends with the presence of God. In the book of Genesis, we read of Adam and Eve’s home in the beautiful garden of Eden. This is the place where the Creator and His created walk together. At the end of the Bible in the book of Revelation, we see a perfect sanctuary for God to dwell with men and women once again. Eden has returned and in this new heaven and new earth, all of God’s people will enjoy his presence for all time.
That spoiler alert can give us much hope, whatever trouble faces us today.
You might picture yourself today as the baby, crying out for help, scrambling for answers in your crib. God the Father walks up gently and confidently. “How are you doing little one?” He asks as He leans over the side of the crib to look into your eyes.
In that moment of connecting with Jesus, you would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that everything was going to be okay.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV) encourages us to “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” When you feel discouraged, call on the name of Jesus. When He walks into the room, everything changes.
Let’s Pray
Dear God, thank You for being near to me at all times. There is nowhere I can go where You can’t find me. I bring You the concerns that are on my heart. Thank You for listening to me. May I be more aware of Your presence in my life today.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Tell God about the things that are concerning you today.
Now pause and listen, asking God to speak to you about these concerns.
More from the Girlfriends
Need encouragement and guidance as a parent? Listen to Arlene’s Happy Home Podcast now heard on Access More.
Originally published Friday, 11 September 2020.
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