God Is Closer than You Realize

Posted on by Jennifer Arimborgo

Wind

“Then Jacob woke up and thought, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, but I did not realize it!’” (Gen. 28:16, NET).

How often is the Lord “right there,” and we don’t realize it? He is incredibly close to each one of us. In Him we live, and move, and have our being. His presence with us in not a vague theoretical concept. He is truly closer than the blood pulsing through our veins. He is paying attention to every subtle thought that crosses our minds, to every sigh that escapes our lips.

His closeness to us is expressed in His name, Immanuel, which means “God with us.” The names of God reveal His essence, His being, His nature. Being close to us is not just something that He does; it’s who He is. Being intimately near and involved is part of His core character.

Frequently, though, we are like Jacob, going about our business, without being aware of the Holy Spirit’s closeness.

The pressure’s off; we are in good company. Jacob is not the only one of the “greats” in the Bible for whom this was true. Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians, giving them guidelines about marriages to unbelievers. He added this proviso to his advice: “…I say this (I am saying this, not the Lord)…” (1 Cor. 7:12, NCV) Yet, God made sure that very counsel became part of the canon of Scripture. Clearly, Paul was actually writing the inspired word of God without even realizing it!

We can take comfort in this truth. Even when we are not aware of the Lord being at work in and through us, He always is.

At the same time, what a mind-boggling opportunity we have – to grow in awareness of Holy Spirit’s nearness and constant activity in our lives! Let’s ask Him today to empower us to tune into what He is doing around us.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8, NIV).

The wind of the Spirit is blowing. Will you close your eyes and breathe in the breath of God? He is in this place; will you know it?

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Can you point to anything specific that has helped you develop an increased awareness of the presence of God in your daily life?

 

 

 

29 thoughts on “God Is Closer than You Realize”

  5. In this season of life, I have been blessed with many new and refreshing thoughts. I have prayed often that the Spirit within me would bring a new awareness of God’s presence in my life. There now seems to be changes in my visual perception and I look at people and the world around me. I sought Jesus to allow me to “see” as He saw and “hear” as He does. The results have been astounding. As I stop and pause, I recognize those around me in the image and likeness of God our Father. When I hear a bird sing or a cloud move, I now realize this is God’s creation. A taste of heaven is everywhere. I rejoice and give thanks. Amen Len W.

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  6. The daily struggle to put all else (yes, even coffee) aside until after I begin each day with Father God is my greatest challenge. And yet He uses each failure to show me it’s all about Him, not my strength, determination or my perceptions of what I need. He truly leads us from glory to glory despite ourselves. Isn’t He wonderful?

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  7. For me, I am grateful for the realization that it is so important to stop –just stop– now and then and simply look around, breathing in the moment, with its unique sights, sounds, and smells. A moment can never be repeated in quite the same way, and we are part of the picture, by God’s grace. To realize this makes many worldly things people worry about far less important. — Mike

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  9. Just reminds me of Eve in the garden with the Tree of Knowledge Of Good And Evil. The Tree Of Life was right next to her, the Lord was closer. But she was fixated on the serpent and one particular tree and fruit.

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    1. You are so right about that! I live in the Amazon Jungle, and every time I am able to leave the city and get out among the trees, I have that same experience. Another breathtaking aspect is at night away from all the light pollution. No words! I am in such awe of our Creator. Thank you, truly, for sharing that 🙂

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  12. Beautiful Post. Thank you for the reminder. There is a song I really love…’.This is the very air I breathe. His Holy Presence living in me.’ is the chorus. Your post has expressed this profoundly. In the most difficult of circumstances KNOWING this makes our life a precious Gift. Blessings!

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