God’s first actions when it came to us wasn’t just creating, but also hovering…coming close…being present. 

Now look at John chapter 1. This is one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-14)

God is creating and bringing life to the earth. Yet now we have a darkness that is not just a physical darkness, but a darkness that is caused by sin.

And again, He came. He was present.

When the earth as we know it was just getting started, He was present. And when we were all over it and making a huge mess of things…He was present.

God’s first actions when it came to us wasn’t just creating, but also hovering…coming close…being present.

Think about at least five ways that you have seen God’s presence in your life and write them down.

Let’s look at times that God was present in scripture.

Where was God during the Exodus? Read Exodus 33:14

Where is God within the Church? Read Matthew 18:20

Read Mark 1:9-11. Where was God during Jesus’ baptism?

Read 1 John 4:16. Where is God in our lives?

Why is God so involved?

“God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:20

God wants to be present in our lives to reveal himself to us for our own sake.

But he also wants us to be present to Him.

Being present is the first step that we will look at to having a radical relationship with God. And doing that may not be as easy as you think!

Prayer:

Thank you for being present!

Thank you for being present not just in the good parts of my life, but also in the mess. Help me to be more aware of your presence and to anchor my life in it. You are incredible and I love you so, so much.        Amen – So be it.