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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] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
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 free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that 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 receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray this prayer?