Recognizing God through the Clutter of Life

Introduction:

God has always pursued a loving relationship with man. It can be experienced today in the Christian life. How do we view God? Some emphasize God only from the angle of His punishment for wrongdoing. We err when we view Him from only this angle. While God is a just God, He is also a loving God. We need to view God as our Father – someone who wants our success, only the best for us, and someone who loves us more than we can possibly imagine. Even with these verses, there are a number of times in our lives that God seems far away. The story of the Bible is God’s desire to be with people.

I.  God is our Father.

A.     Psalm 145:17-19

1.      Focus on 145:18.  He is near. No farther away than a prayer.

2.      He will protect us & deliver us from trials we confront.

B.     Psalm 46:1-3 – God is our refuge. He is our strength.

C.    Psalm 32:7-8 – God is there. This is a promise of watchful care.

D.    Psalm 103:8-14

E.     Js. 1:17 – God is there & every good thing given is from Him.

II. God is With Us.

A.     Joshua 1:1-9 - How would you have felt had you been in Joshua’s shoes?

1.      What was God’s promise?

2.      What was Joshua’s responsibility?

3.      God assured him that He was with him wherever he went.

B.     Acts 18:5-11

1.      18:9-10 – what does God tell Paul?

2.      When we face uncertainty – we can have reassurance from God to press on.

III. What about the times we are convinced God is nowhere around?

A.     2 Kings 6:8-18

1.      What does this teach us?  Where are we looking?

2.      The servant could only see the attack, the problem.

3.      Romans 8:34-39; 2 Cor 4:18

4.      Spiritual eyes do not only see what is, but what can be done through the power of God.

B.     Deliverance here came through prayer.

1.      Every time we are challenged/hindered – we are surrounded by His power/protection!

IV. A Look at Jesus.

A.     Jesus gives us the best example of a life lived in the presence of God.

1.      God’s presence impacted His thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

2.      John 5:17, 19-20, 30 - Everything Jesus did was from God’s power.

3.      How might your life be different if you truly believe God is closer than you think?

Conclusion:

A.     Numbers 6:24-25 - God’s face is turned toward us.  Can you see Him through the clutter of life?