Dwelling in the Shelter of God

The idea that we can call out to God and he’ll hear us is so much a part of our Christian culture. We cling to this promise, and the Bible affirms this truth. It is our understanding of God’s nearness that transforms our lives.

When Jesus began his teaching ministry, one of the first things he wanted his followers to know was that God desired to be understood as the heavenly Father, who was accessible to his creatures. Through Jesus, God opened the door to his inner sanctuary. All who name Jesus as their Lord are welcome to approach him at any hour of the day or night with boldness asking freely for anything they please (John 14:13-14). It’s only through Jesus that we believe God is as near to us as he is to the missionary in the Himalayas or the explorer on the Amazon.

So Jesus shatters all the old ideas of religion by bringing to the world, not a remote deity who chooses to live on the far side of the universe, but God the Father who locates his heaven just slightly above our heads. And from here, his Spirit, his angels, and his Son move back and forth millions of times in a day to help and rescue us regularly.

It’s one of the  Acts of the Apostles’ main points that even though Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn’t go far away. He didn’t plan to return to earth only at some future time to bring an end to the world and take us all to heaven, but he comes and goes at will, anytime he chooses, anytime we need him.

The nearness of God should be one of the main themes of our lives and a hope-filled message to the world. We, who are drawn to faith in Jesus, are best able to attest to God’s love, nearness, trustworthiness, and availability. It is a message that those around us desperately need to hear.

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
–Deuteronomy 31:8