God Is Near

Scripture Reading Acts 17:27-28

Key Verses:

• Acts 17:27 – “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 17:28 – “For in him we live and move and have our being.”

God Is Nearer Than We Think

The Apostle Paul, speaking to the Athenians at Mars Hill, declared a profound truth: God is not distant or hidden—He is close, actively inviting us to know Him. Unlike the Greek gods, who were seen as remote and uninterested in human affairs, the true God is intimately involved in our lives.

Paul explains that God has placed us in history so that we might seek Him (Acts 17:27). Yet, even when we fail to reach out, He remains near, sustaining us in every breath and step (Acts 17:28).

The Barren Fig Tree: A Call to Fruitfulness

In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells the parable of a barren fig tree:

A man planted a fig tree in his vineyard, but for three years it bore no fruit. The owner wanted to cut it down, but the gardener pleaded for one more year to cultivate it, hoping it would bear fruit.

This parable speaks of God’s nearness, patience, and invitation to transformation:

1. The Fig Tree Stands for Us

Like the fig tree, we sometimes fail to bear fruit—whether through spiritual stagnation, apathy, or sin.

John 15:4 – “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself.”

2. God, the Owner, Desires Fruitfulness

God longs for our lives to reflect His love, righteousness, and grace.

Galatians 5:22-23 – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

3. Jesus, the Gardener, Intercedes for Us

Jesus, like the gardener, pleads on our behalf, offering us grace, nourishment, and another chance.

Hebrews 7:25 – “He always lives to intercede for them.”

4. The Urgency of Repentance

The fig tree was given one more year, but time was limited. Likewise, God’s patience calls us to turn to Him while He is near.

Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”

God Is Near in Our Struggles

We often feel distant from God during trials, yet He is closest in our pain:

Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Matthew 28:20 – “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Even when we feel barren—spiritually dry, weak, or discouraged—God stands ready to revive us. Like the gardener with the fig tree, He does not give up on us.

Tearing Down the Illusion of Distance

The enemy whispers that God is far away, but Scripture assures us otherwise:

Romans 8:39 – “Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

God is closer than our breath, sustaining our very existence. He is both the Creator above and the Comforter within.

Living in the Nearness of God

How do we respond to God’s nearness?

1. Seek Him Daily – Spend time in prayer and Scripture, knowing He is near.

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

2. Trust in Tough Times – Even when life feels barren, trust that He is working beneath the surface.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 – “Though the fig tree does not bud… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

3. Bear Fruit for His Kingdom – Let God cultivate your heart so that your life overflows with love and righteousness.

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Conclusion: Embracing His Presence

God is not far off—He is near, sustaining, loving, and calling us to a fruitful life. The barren fig tree reminds us that grace is extended, but time is precious. We are invited to turn to Him, grow, and bear fruit.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for being near to me, even when I feel distant. Cultivate my heart so that I may bear fruit for Your kingdom. Help me trust Your presence, seek You daily, and embrace the life You offer. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Thankfulness in All Circumstances

Reflection on Psalm 9:1-2

I will give Thanks to You, Lord, with all my Heart;

I will tell of all Your Wonderful Deeds.

Psalm 9:1

David’s opening words in Psalm 9 are a call to wholehearted gratitude and joyful worship. The psalm begins with an intentional focus on giving thanks “with all my heart”—a phrase that speaks of undivided devotion and sincerity. David models an attitude of total surrender, where thanksgiving isn’t just an occasional act, but a posture of life.

David resolves to give thanks, not only for God’s past deliverance but also for His ongoing faithfulness. Even though life often brought trials, David’s gratitude was rooted in the character of God, not merely in changing circumstances. This echoes Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, where believers are called to rejoice and give thanks in all situations. Gratitude, as shown in this psalm, is a spiritual discipline that aligns the heart with God’s goodness, even amid challenges.

Insight from Matthew Henry:

“The more we dwell upon God’s wonderful works, the more our hearts will be drawn out in gratitude and praise. He who recounts God’s mercies will find his soul lifted into joy.”

Telling of God’s Wonderful Deeds

David emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God’s wonderful works. Gratitude leads naturally to testimony. When we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we are compelled to share it with others, turning personal thanksgiving into public witness. This is reminiscent of Psalm 107:2, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story,” encouraging believers to declare how God’s hand has worked in their lives.

Rejoicing and Singing Praises

David doesn’t just give thanks; he rejoices and sings praises. This joyful response illustrates the completeness of worship—it engages both the mind and heart. Worship involves remembering God’s deeds and exalting His name. The phrase “Most High” reminds us of God’s sovereign rule over all creation, evoking awe and reverence. Rejoicing in God isn’t mere emotion; it flows from knowing who God is and what He has done.

Application

1. Wholehearted Gratitude: Like David, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude by reflecting on God’s past faithfulness and present grace. Even when life feels uncertain, remembering His wonderful deeds brings hope.

2. Sharing God’s Goodness: Testifying about God’s works glorifies Him and encourages others. Consider ways to share your story of how God has worked in your life.

3. Joyful Worship: Rejoice and sing praises—not just in formal settings but in daily life. Make joy in the Lord a habit, allowing worship to shape your perspective.

Psalm 9:1-2 calls us to live lives marked by wholehearted gratitude, joyful praise, and faithful testimony. Such worship flows from a deep encounter with God’s goodness. In a world filled with uncertainty, we are invited to join David in proclaiming God’s wonderful deeds with gladness and hope, trusting that His reign is sure. In so doing we honor Him and inspire others to trust in the One who is always faithful.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, giving thanks for all Your wonderful deeds. You have been our refuge in times of trouble, our strength in moments of weakness, and our joy in seasons of sorrow. Teach us, Lord, to offer You wholehearted praise—not just in moments of triumph but in every circumstance of life. Help us to see Your hand at work around us and give us boldness to tell of Your goodness to others.

May our hearts be filled with gladness as we reflect on Your faithfulness, and may our lips be quick to sing Your praises, O Most High. Shape us into people who live in continual worship, rejoicing in who You are and all that You have done.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Fear Not, For I Am With You

When the Waters Rise and Fires Blaze

God's Promise to Be With Us

Finding Hope in Isaiah 43:1-5

 

Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable. Difficulties, losses, and trials can leave us feeling as though we are drowning in adversity or being consumed by fire. Yet, even in the midst of such fear, God offers a comforting truth through His Word:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:1-2, ESV).

Isaiah 43:1-5 is a beacon of hope in the midst of life’s storms. God acknowledges that we will go through hardships, but He promises something far more profound than removing us from those challenges—He promises His presence. This passage reassures us that when the floodwaters rise and the flames blaze, we will not be overcome, for God is with us.

1. "I Have Called You By Name, You Are Mine"

In times of adversity, we can feel abandoned or insignificant, but this verse offers a personal reminder that God knows us intimately. We are not faceless in a crowd—He calls us by name and claims us as His own. Eugene Peterson, in The Message, paraphrases it beautifully: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine.” This personal assurance is what sustains us in our darkest moments.

Matthew Henry insightfully notes, “Those that are redeemed have no reason to be afraid; for they are precious in God’s sight, and He takes particular care of them.”When God says, "you are mine," He isn’t merely expressing ownership; He is declaring His commitment to care, protect, and guide us into a hopeful future.

2. "When You Pass Through the Waters, I Will Be With You"

Richard Foster reminds us that the Christian life is not devoid of suffering. He speaks of the "dark night of the soul," a term coined by St. John of the Cross, and explains that even in the deepest valleys, God is present. "God does not leave us to navigate the difficulties of life alone. Instead, He walks with us, holding our hand through the fire and the flood."

God never promised that we wouldn’t encounter overwhelming waters. Life often feels like we are drowning in grief, fear, or uncertainty. But Isaiah 43:2 gives us a vivid picture of God’s faithfulness. Just as He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, He promises to be with us in our own waters of life. They may rise, but they will not overcome us because God is walking with us through it all.

3. "When You Walk Through Fire, You Shall Not Be Burned"

William Barclay reflects on how early Christians embraced suffering as part of their journey but clung to God’s promise of presence. The imagery of walking through fire echoes the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. Thrown into the fiery furnace, they were not harmed because “there was a fourth man in the fire” (Daniel 3:25). That fourth man, believed to be a manifestation of God, reassures us that no matter how fierce the flames, we are never alone.

Barclay captures it well: “The glory of Christianity is that suffering is no longer suffering when it is borne in the presence of Christ.” God doesn’t promise to shield us from every pain, but He does promise to protect us through it. The fires that could destroy us become places of transformation, where we are refined, not consumed.

4. "Fear Not, For I Am With You"

Fear often stems from feeling isolated or powerless. Yet Isaiah 43:5 brings God’s comforting assurance once more: “Fear not, for I am with you.” Eugene Peterson reflects, "All the water in all the oceans cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside. Nor can all the trouble in the world harm us unless it gets within us and erodes our faith."

The promise of God’s presence is not an escape from hardship but a guarantee of His companionship through it. Even when the odds feel overwhelming, we are reminded that we have no need to fear when the Creator of the universe is by our side.

5. The Faithful Presence of God

In times of trouble, it’s tempting to ask, “Why, Lord?” But Richard Foster encourages us to instead ask, “How, Lord, will you be with me in this?” Faith is not a shield against trials, but it is a lifeline that sustains us through them. God may allow us to experience deep waters and scorching fires, but His promise is that we will not be consumed.

Matthew Henry wisely writes, “Whatever waters of affliction or trouble thou mayest be in, they shall not overflow thee, for God’s power and presence shall sustain thee.” When we face life’s toughest moments, we can hold fast to Isaiah 43:1-5. God knows our name, walks with us, and promises that we will not drown or burn. His faithful presence allows us to face the unknown without fear.

Conclusion

In the midst of life's storms, Isaiah 43:1-5 stands as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and presence. The waters may rise, and the fires may blaze, but we need not fear. God's promises are not about a life free from hardship, but a life held and sustained by His faithful presence. He knows us intimately, calls us by name, and claims us as His own. In every trial, He is there, walking beside us, ensuring that the floods will not sweep us away, and the fires will not consume us.

As we face difficult circumstances, may we rest in the truth that we belong to a God who will never abandon us. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, we can trust that no matter what we go through, He is right there with us—our "fourth man in the fire." With His presence as our strength, we can walk forward with confidence, knowing that nothing in this world can separate us from His love and protection.

So, fear not, for He is with you. Take heart and hold onto His promises, for He will see you through every storm.

Closing Prayer

Lord, in times of fear and uncertainty, remind us that You have called us by name. Help us to trust in Your presence and in Your promise that no matter what waters we pass through or fires we face, we will not be consumed. Strengthen our faith, and help us walk confidently, knowing You are always with us. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria