God Is a Close Father
By Rick Warren
“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 17:27 (NIV)
In Acts 17, Paul gave a sermon to the people in Athens. He said something like, “God doesn't live in a temple or a little house. He would be confined. He has chosen to live all around the world. God is everywhere.” Why? As Acts 17:27 says, “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” (NIV). God is close, available, and accessible.
A lot of kids today grow up with absentee fathers. These dads are never home, always gone, never there for the important dates. Even when they are home, they really aren't there. They're detached—scrolling their phones, watching television, or working. They may be physically there, but they're not mentally and emotionally at home.
That’s why it’s important to remember three encouraging facts about the closeness of God:
1. God is never too busy for you.
Psalm 145:18 says, "The LORD is near to all who call on him” (NIV). He's never too busy to talk to you. When you want to pray, God is right there, ready to listen. God has no problem processing everyone's prayer request at the same time because he's God. He's always near. He never says, "Call back later."
2. God loves to meet your needs.
He's not annoyed by your requests. The Bible teaches, "If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV). Even imperfect parents here on earth like to give their children good gifts. God is perfect, so he’s even better at giving gifts. In fact, he loves to meet your needs.
3. He is sympathetic to your hurts.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18 NLT). When you hurt, God hurts. When you grieve, God grieves. When you are brokenhearted, crushed, and think you can't even get out of bed in the morning, God feels for you. You are never closer to God than when you are in pain. He is there. And he cares.
God wants to meet your needs because he's caring, consistent, and close. That is such good news.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Get Equipped to Face Life’s Challenges with Faith!
Life throws a lot at us these days. And it’s clearer than ever that we need to equip ourselves with biblical wisdom—because only God’s Word gives us the power we need to handle whatever comes our way.
That’s why Pastor Rick created the Unshakable Bible study.
The Unshakable Bible study is our thanks for your support to help take Daily Hope to more people around the world.
So request your copy below when you give—and get equipped to face any challenge with faith!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
