Ever present God in Trouble

              

I’ve always strived toward keeping my political views and opinions to myself when it comes to politics or any subject matter.  When writing, my intentions are to simply share certain insights received in my devotional time with the Lord.  This morning however, as I was pondering over the current events unfolding in Eastern Europe, I happen to come across the following verses taken out of Acts 17.  

 

From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.  

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:26-27 NLT)
 
There’s no doubt that the rulers of this world have their various purposes and political agendas, and we all have our own interpretation of their motives.  However, the above verse highlights God’s one purpose and motive for the rise and fall of nations; that they may find him.  Man has his purposes, while God has his.

 
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Gen. 50:20 NIV)
 

I like how the verse taken out of Acts 17 states “feel their way toward him”.  The American Standard Bible version states 
 
… if perhaps they might feel around for Him and find Him.
 
 God wants to be known beyond the level of the mind (intellectually).  He wants to be felt and experienced by the heart. 

You see, that cultivates an entirely different level of assurance.  

Facing any level of adversity or misfortune often propogates that search. 
 
I am reminded of my daughter Ava.  When she was much younger, she had a very difficult time falling asleep at night without me by her side.  I would lay at the foot of her bed and because it was dark, she couldn’t quite see me.  Periodically she intentionally stretched out her little foot and felt for me. It wasn’t enough to know that I was there. Feeling for me gave her the added affirmation that I was still present and didn’t return to my bed.  

 
Seeking his presence accomplishes just that.  It fosters that inner assurance that whatever my circumstance may be, the father is ever present, why shall I fear.   

Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. (Ps. 27: 3)

 "I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me against the rock of ages. "          

                      Charles Spurgeon