In Chapter 3 of You’ll Get Through This, Max Lucado continues his rock/sponge comparison by stating that we must resist hardening our hearts. The solution is not to blame God or run from Him. Rather, like a sponge, we need to open every pore of our souls to God’s presence. The first comparison is described today (the author’s words are in bold type).
1. Lay claim to the nearness of God. In Hebrews 13: 5 (NIV) we read these words: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Pastor Lucado exhorts us to repeat this verse “over and over until it trumps he voices of fear and angst.” Christine Anderson, who wrote the “Questions for Reflection” section appearing at the end of this book, notes that to lay claim to something is to assert your rights to it and is “a posture of boldness, insistence, and perseverance.”
Even though we lay claim to God’s nearness we, like Job, may lose the sense of God’s presence. Despite the fact that we may feel far from God, we must resolve to stand on His promise to be with us. God’s presence cannot be equated with a good mood or pleasant temperament. Regardless of whether we’re happy of not, God always is near.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses have been most helpful in drawing you into God’s presence? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Absorbing God’s presence- Part 2”
