Acts 17:27-18, Hebrews 11:1
God claims He is close (closer than a brother), and His spirit lives within us. But all too often there are predicaments wherein it feels and seems as though He saw something horrible coming, and took off! Our devotional today is a wonderful reminder just how close He was, is, and will always be.
Now, the keyword in my opening sentence is 'feels', right? We enjoy a spiritual fellowship with our Lord because our connection to Him is invisible, it is intangible, it relies on our faith and trust to keep our heart keen to His presence.
Still, our life here on this planet (horizontal relationships) can interfere and misrepresent (even misinterpret) how His spirit is right there in our moment... in our hearts... in our very being and waiting for us to call on Him. Now, that does NOT means He is a bell-hop, a butler, or some 'just in time' savior. He IS your closest friend, your confidant, and even better, your nurturing Father in heaven.
Can't see Him? Can't feel Him? Can't hear Him rustling there so close to your heart and mind? Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart, and start to see Him everywhere; daily chores, work or sport events, even there in that moment where you are weakest and faltering with a sin or character short-coming... He's there to guide you in that moment (avoid calamity), not just comfort you after the moment (restoration).
Regardless of how long you have known the Lord, His 'still small voice' is still, still. It is still small. Though He IS so close to you, the other noise in your heart, mind, and life will be louder, will drown out, and will keep you from that closer fellowship and guidance you need and want, and even asked for. His patience is great, so rest on His mercy.