Embracing God's Nearness: Finding Comfort in Relationship

 

Summary

In a thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith, Jonathan Schaeffer delves into the profound concept that God is intimately close to each individual. He begins by reflecting on the common human experience of feeling alone or ignored, even in the midst of a busy life. This feeling of distance from God is identified as a pervasive lie that leads to self-defeating behaviors. Schaeffer counters this by emphasizing the truth found in Psalm 139 and other biblical passages that God is indeed closer than one might think.

Schaeffer points out that Christianity is fundamentally about relationships, not just a set of rules or religious obligations. It's about the relationship with the Creator, who is eternal and invites us into a personal connection with Him. This relationship is the only one that can ultimately satisfy the deepest thirst of the human soul. He also touches on the global issue of loneliness, highlighting that while many may feel lonely, they are never truly alone when they have a relationship with God.

The message of God's nearness is consistent throughout the Bible. Schaeffer cites several scriptures, such as Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 43, and Matthew 28:20, which all reinforce the promise of God's presence. He also shares personal anecdotes and reflections on how this promise has profoundly influenced his life.

Schaeffer discusses Psalm 139 in detail, explaining how it expresses God's intimate knowledge of and care for each person. The psalmist, David, marvels at the extent to which God is familiar with every aspect of his life, from his sitting down and rising up to his thoughts and words before they are spoken. This knowledge is not distant or general; it is deeply personal and constant.

The concept of God's nearness is not just comforting; it has practical implications for daily life. Knowing that God is with us in every situation can change how we face decisions, temptations, and crises. It can provide strength, confidence, and a sense of being valued and loved despite our imperfections.

Schaeffer recounts the story of Hagar from Genesis 16, a woman who experienced God's nearness in a time of mistreatment and despair. Hagar, an enslaved and abused woman, encounters an angel of God and is so moved that she names God "El Roi," meaning "The God Who Sees Me." This story illustrates that even in the darkest moments, God is aware of our struggles and is with us.

In conclusion, Schaeffer encourages individuals to embrace the truth of God's closeness and to let this understanding define their identity and center their lives. He invites everyone to experience the transformative power of realizing that God is not only with us but also within us when we trust in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The core of Christianity is the relationship with God, who is not only the Creator of all but also deeply personal and involved in our lives. This relationship is the ultimate fulfillment for the human soul, surpassing all earthly achievements and possessions. The realization of God's nearness can transform one's perspective on life and provide a sense of belonging and purpose. [32:12]

- Loneliness is a widespread issue that affects people globally, but the Christian faith offers a cure through the assurance of God's constant presence. This truth can be a source of comfort and companionship, reminding us that we may feel lonely, but we are never truly alone when we have a relationship with God. [35:31]

- The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God's promise to be with us, a promise that is meant to combat the human tendency to feel abandoned. This promise is not limited to times of worship or conscious prayer but extends to every moment and situation in life, offering a foundation for courage and peace. [01:00:46]

- Psalm 139 is a profound reflection on God's intimate knowledge of us. It reveals that God is aware of our every action, thought, and word, providing a sense of being seen and understood that is unparalleled by any human relationship. This understanding can lead to a deeper appreciation of God's love and care. [46:43]

- The story of Hagar in Genesis 16 demonstrates that God's nearness is not just a comforting idea but a reality that can be experienced even in the midst of suffering and injustice. It shows that God is attentive to those who are marginalized and hurting, offering hope and recognition in their darkest hours. [59:30]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:1-6
- "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."

2. Joshua 1:9
- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

3. Genesis 16:13
- "She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 139, what specific actions and thoughts of ours does God know? (Psalm 139:1-6)
2. How does Joshua 1:9 describe God's presence in our lives?
3. What name does Hagar give to God in Genesis 16:13, and what does it signify about her experience?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the knowledge that God is intimately aware of our every action and thought (Psalm 139:1-6) impact our understanding of His relationship with us?
2. In what ways does the promise in Joshua 1:9 provide comfort and encouragement in times of fear or uncertainty?
3. What does Hagar's naming of God as "El Roi" (Genesis 16:13) reveal about God's character and His awareness of our struggles?

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone or ignored. How does the truth of God's constant presence (Psalm 139:1-6) change your perspective on that experience? [36:41]
2. How can the assurance of God's presence (Joshua 1:9) influence your approach to a current challenge or decision you are facing? [36:04]
3. Hagar experienced God's nearness in her darkest moment. How can you seek and recognize God's presence in your own times of suffering or despair? [59:30]
4. In what practical ways can you remind yourself daily of God's intimate knowledge and care for you, as described in Psalm 139? [50:49]
5. How can the understanding that God is "The God Who Sees Me" (Genesis 16:13) help you support and encourage someone else who is feeling overlooked or marginalized? [59:30]
6. Considering the global issue of loneliness discussed in the sermon, how can you be a tangible expression of God's presence to someone in your community who might be feeling isolated? [34:49]
7. What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God, knowing that He is closer than you think and intimately involved in your life? [36:41]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Relationship
God's presence offers more than rules; it fulfills our soul's deepest thirst. Recognizing this can shift our focus from religious obligations to nurturing a personal connection with the Creator. This relationship is the cornerstone of our faith and the source of true contentment. [32:12]

James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with God today, making it more about connection than obligation?

Day 2: Solace in Spiritual Companionship
Loneliness is universal, yet in God's company, we find the ultimate companion. This truth challenges the lie of isolation and offers a comforting presence that assures us we are never truly alone. [35:31]

Psalm 68:6 - "God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land."
Reflection: When do you feel most lonely, and how can you remind yourself of God's presence during those times?

Day 3: God's Unfailing Presence
The promise of God's constant presence is an antidote to feelings of abandonment. It is a steadfast assurance that applies to every moment of our lives, providing a foundation for courage and peace. [01:00:46]

Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Reflection: What situation in your life needs the reassurance of God's unfailing presence right now?

Day 4: Known by the Creator
God's intimate knowledge of us is a testament to His deep love and care. Understanding that God is aware of our every action and thought can lead to a profound sense of being valued and loved. [46:43]

Psalm 139:17-18 - "How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you."
Reflection: How does knowing that God is intimately aware of your life change the way you view yourself and your worth?

Day 5: Witnessing God in the Shadows
God's nearness is a reality, especially in suffering and injustice. The story of Hagar reminds us that God sees and cares for the marginalized, offering hope and recognition in their darkest hours. [59:30]

Genesis 16:13 - "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.'"
Reflection: How can you seek to recognize and respond to God's presence in the midst of your own trials or in the struggles of others?

Quotes

1) "Christianity at the core is about relationships and it starts with The Nearness of God. When we really grasp this, it changes our outlook on life." [36:04] (Download)

2) "God sees us. Behind every self-defeating behavior in your life is a lie that you are believing. One of the lies we're most prone to believe is that God is distant." [01:04:00] (Download)

3) "The Wonder of Christmas is that The God Who dwelt Among Us can now dwell within us. When I trust you, you're in me. That's how close he can be." [01:05:22] (Download)

4) "God is closer than you think. He sees you, he knows you, you're never alone, you always have his strength at your disposal when you trust him." [01:04:38] (Download)

5) "You may feel lonely but you are never alone. God is near, he's got you behind and front of you, he's all the way around you." [50:09] (Download)

6) "God knows me better than I know myself, he knows me better than anybody knows me, and yet he loves me more than I could ever comprehend." [46:08] (Download)

7) "The most important aspect of who you are is what you think about God. Your view of God nothing at all about you takes precedence over that." [41:36] (Download)

8) "God's love is unbreakable, his forgiveness is forever, his compassion is like the best of a parent who just knows what you're going through and comes alongside." [55:38] (Download)

9) "The god of Israel works through all of the complexities and messes of human history through the lives of deeply flawed and broken people who never seem to get things right and says I am Elroy, the God who sees you." [59:30] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?