As we travel, we are aware of the distance from one place to another. Sometimes we measure this by miles while at other times, we may measure it by the time it takes to travel. If you have children they may ask, "How far is it till we get there?" There is always a distance for us to consider.

As Paul stood at the Areopagus in Athens, he informed his listeners that they should seek God. These people had many gods they would seek after but there is only one God all men should seek after. And, how far away is God? Paul stated, "...Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’" (Acts 17:27b,28)

Did you note that Paul said that God is not far from each of us? We are blessed to be able to call to God through prayer and know He will hear us. The Hebrew writer expressed it well when he said, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16 ESV)

I don’t know about you but I find these words very comforting. God is close by. I can go to Him in prayer and know He hears my petitions. And, since I am praying to the One who created my world, I know He will give me the help that I need. Have you found this to be true in your life?

The Athenians worshipped many gods. I wonder if there are times that we have "gods" we worship also? I’m not talking about the graven images like they had, but things that get in our way of serving the One true God. Do we bow at the altar of television? Perhaps it’s at the god of technology. It could be we bow at the altar of recreation. Notice that there is nothing wrong with any of these things but, they can keep us from putting our trust in the God who is not far from us.

There are times we all go through stressful things. It could be the loss of a loved one, problems at home, problems at our jobs and maybe even problems with our health. How comforting to know our God is close by and desires to help us through the trials. Will we turn from the gods that hinder us and seek God‘s presence in our lives? He is ready to give you all the help you need.