SCRIPTURE
Acts 17:28 “For in him we live and move and have our being.”
DEVOTIONAL
From the beginning, God established a precedent by walking in the garden daily with Adam and Eve. We were all made to walk with and experience God’s presence as a natural, everyday part of our lives. God created us to depend upon Him and his presence and even to partner with him in our decision-making processes.
Jesus emphasized this importance when he said, “I’m telling you this straight. The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing. What the Father does, the Son does”. (John 5:19) Jesus went even further when he said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Deuteronomy 8:3). We are to draw on God’s word and his presence…like we draw each breath.
Did you know that many scholars believe that the name Yahweh “could not be spoken at all—only breathed? Many are convinced that its correct pronunciation attempts to replicate and imitate the sounds of inhalation and exhalation. Therefore, the one thing we do every moment of our lives is to speak the name of God” *
What is it in the heart of God to want to draw so near to us that He “chose to give himself a name that we can’t help but speak every moment we’re alive? All of us, always, everywhere, waking, sleeping, with the name of God on our lips.” **
Of all the scriptures in the bible, possibly one the most devastating is when Adam said to God, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (Gen 3:10)
Adam heard God, but his response was fear. He was naked (unclothed and unprotected), so he hid. When we feel fear or vulnerable, do we run to God’s presence or away from it? “God called out to man and said, “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) Thankfully, He is still calling out to all of us.
Why is it so important to be in God’s presence? Because God’s presence changes everything! We become what we behold. The presence of God brings release to the captives, healing for what’s broken, and freedom for the oppressed. It’s not our striving and straining. Not our performance, not working harder at being better…no, God’s presence changes and transforms us.
QUESTION
“Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) What part of you is hiding from God’s presence? What part of you willingly runs to God?
PRAYER
God, I know there are parts of my heart that hide from you, even hide from myself. Thank you for being so patient and kind with me. Thank you for calling me by name. Teach me how to run to you, even when I am afraid.
* Richard Rohr
** Jason Gray