God, you see me
Stop.
Take a deep breath. As you breathe in say, “I hear you.” As you breathe out say, “God, you see me.” Repeat as many times as you need.
Listen.
Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. – Jeremiah 23:23-24
Reflect.
In chapter 23 of Jeremiah, God speaks powerfully against people who claim to be prophets speaking for God. God condemns their lies and the way they mislead God’s people. God warns these people who speak for themselves and pretend it’s for God that they will not succeed.
The assurance God provides for knowing the truth of what is happening is that God is near, present no matter where you hide, filling all of creation. In other words, there is no place you can be where God cannot see and hear you. If you’re trying to manipulate others for your own power, abusing God’s name, you will be noticed and you will not succeed.
That sounds like a threat. And if you’re functioning out of a desire for your own power and control, it is. But for many of us, the promise of God’s presence, that there is no secret place that can hide you from God, grants comfort.
You are never without God’s presence. If others treat you unjustly, God sees it. If you experience disconnection and abandonment, you’re not alone. If you’re worried you’ve gone somewhere God can’t find you, don’t worry – that place doesn’t exist. There is no where you can go where you can’t find God and God can’t find you.
Pray.
Thank you, God, that you go before me into any place or situation. I praise you that you remain present in my life, even when I think I have strayed too far. Hold me, guide me, and comfort me, that I would rest in your presence and trust in your love. Amen.
Carry On.
Throughout history, believers have sometimes chosen to go to remote, removed places so that they can be away from others and closer to God. This can be a powerful reminder that God is present no matter how distant you might feel. Is there some way you can build that into your life this week? How can you get away – even if just for a little while – and be reminded that God is present with you even there?