Where Is God?
Where are you, God? The way you ask that question means a lot depending on the answer you’re seeking. The tone of your voice and the look on your face would make it clear if you’re trying to learn something about God or struggling with something you see in life. Let’s walk through the answers.
Where Does God Live?
Jesus was the Son of God and sent to earth by God. In Jesus’ first sermon, He taught on many things including how to pray. Jesus provided them with an example prayer and it opened with, “Our Father in heaven …” (Matthew 6:9). God lives in heaven. The Bible confirms Jesus’ statement in 1 Kings 8:49 when it says God hears our prayers and petitions “from heaven where you live.”
Where Is God Now?
Our definition of existence is limited to a point in time and a physical location. God is not bound by those same restrictions. He has always existed and is “omnipresent.” Merriam-Webster defines omnipresence as “present in all places at all times.” Basically, God is everywhere. There’s no place on earth where He is absent. God said, “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24).
Where Is God in All of This?
Many people ask the question, “Where is God?” because they are struggling to understand why there are so many problems when God is everywhere. We even see it in the Bible when mockers say, “Where is this God of yours?” (Psalm 42:10).
Where’s God …
- when we suffer?
- when tragedy strikes?
- when you really need him?
- when life hurts?
Jesus told His followers, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus warned us life will be difficult and He would fix it all in the end. Until then, He offers His presence through all that life throws at us. The last thing Jesus gave us before He returned to heaven was a promise.
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus wants to be there with you through the good and the bad.
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
