I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. (Psalm 16: 7-11)

God is always close at hand. But I am not always close to God.

In Exodus we read of a volcanic and thunderous God from whom the people fled. They asked Moses to serve as an intermediary rather than encounter God directly.

In response God chose to be present through the ark of the covenant offering counsel to those who approached. But by his time the prophet Jeremiah laments that the ark is neither visited nor remembered.

God has inspired prophets and preachers to better prepare us to hear and see. But many have chosen to be deaf and blind. In Jesus God found a perfect expression of love and faithfulness. But for many even Jesus has become unreal.

God tries to adapt to our readiness. But too often we are distracted, preoccupied, and proud. We are offered the hand of God. But we fail to extend our hand to receive it.