iCrucified

How Close is He?

“Deus intimior intimo meo, or God is closer to me than I am to myself…” ~~Augustine

I find this incredibly comforting and assuring. I also believe it to be a true statement in light of what the Bible teaches us; in particular, the New Testament Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus told his disciples, “Lo, I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20 see also John 14:18). Jesus promised His indwelling Spirit would come to “comfort,” “guide,” and “instruct” us. As I consider this and meditate on all the implications, several realizations come to mind. (1) God knows my strengths, gifts, and abilities more than I do. He created me and now dwells within me. He not only knows the things I know, He knows all of my untapped potential. (2) God knows my “weaknesses,” “brokenness,” “fears,” and “frailty.” He knows the places I am weak and prone to failure, yet He trusts me still as an image-bearer of His person. He trusts me with His name and mission. He knows the struggles I bear and is willing to walk through each of them with me. (3) He knows my “fears,” “doubts,” and my “breaking point.” His promise is that He will never put anything on us, or allow anything on us, that is too much for us to bear… that He has not provided a way for us to make it through (1 Corinthians 10:13).

I do not know all that God knows about me. I consider myself self-aware, but not nearly to the degree and/or depth that God is aware of me. Therefore, it is a dangerous road to travel that I would rely on upon my own designs and “self-understanding.” I don’t have all the data to account for every variable in my “unknowing” self. I can fail because of my own unknown faults in the equation of my life. God, on the other hand, will not and cannot fail. His promise is true. He alone is the unfailing promise of truth in my life.

Walking in step with His Presence, guided by His Indwelling Spirit, is tantamount to the worry-free and regret-free life. What a glorious revelation and what glorious God! Praise Him, who is Closer to me than I am to myself!