Find God First

“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” –Acts 17:27

Acts 17:26 tells us that God made every nation of men from one man, so people would "inhabit the whole earth." He determined each person's place on history's time line and "the exact places where they should live." Why did God do this? ". . . so that men would seek him . . . reach out for him . . . find him" (emphasis mine). God's primary desire for every individual is that each of us finds Him. Have you found God in the place where you live?

Little children in Sunday school learn early on that God is everywhere, and He's always watching over them. As adults, we're quick to acknowledge this is true, but do we always believe it deep inside? It's tempting to seek a feeling rather than our God. If the feeling isn't there, we assume God's gone, too. But He's not. Acts 17:27 ends with the assurance that God "is not far from each one of us."

As you move into your new home, choose to believe this whether you feel God's presence or not. Seek Him by looking for evidence of His existence in the created world around you, by worshipping with other believers, and by reading His Word. Reach out to Him through prayer, and if you feel He's out of reach, pray longer and harder with increased determination. Keep it up persistently for these actions honor God. In time you will find Him. God lives in your new home.

Father, I know You are with me, ever closer than I know. I'll believe and seek until I find. I crave enduring fellowship with You. Amen.