Where is God?
“An the name of the city from that time on will be “THE LORD IS THERE.”
(Ezekiel 48:35)
On Monday, I leave for a speaking engagement in Nashville, Tennessee. I have a special place in my heart for Tennessee because many years ago I loaded up my economy car and moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee for the adventure of a lifetime. It was my first job as a television sportscaster and I didn’t know a soul in Tennessee, or so I thought.
When I arrived at the television station, I met a reporter named “Lori.” Her name was familiar. She looked familiar. After getting to know each other, I realized she and I both lived in San Antonio as children and had the same best friend at different times. Our mutual friend had shown me many photos of Lori as a young girl but she had moved away, and I stepped in as best friend where she left off. Now we worked together in a place 1100 miles away.
What are the odds of this happening?
As I reflect back, I realized God was with me in my move to a strange land and he was there to greet me when I arrived.
I was not alone.
In a vision of the future, the prophet Ezekiel was given specific instructions from God of how to rebuild the temple, often referred to as the “Millennial Temple,” the prophesied temple that will be constructed during the last days before Christ’s one-thousand year reign on earth. Once the Lord provided Ezekiel detail after detail, his last instructions to Ezekiel was the name it should bear: Jehovah-shammah, which means: “The Lord is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). One day there will be another rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and God’s Shekinah glory will radiate throughout this holy place. He will literally be “on site.”
However, I firmly believe God is our Jehovah-shammah whenever he leads us into unknown territory.
He’s “on site” we move to a new city.
When he redirects our calling.
When we experience an upheaval in our personal life.
In Deuteronomy 31:6 God promises his children that he will not abandon us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’
Are you feeling alone right now?
Seek God’s presence in your scenario.
Cry out to Him because he is nearby.
Never forget, God is your Jehovah-shammah.
He is there.