The Father's Business Podcast

Devotional-He is Near to You

Elizabeth Gunter Powell and Kimberly Roddy

Have you ever noticed how your worries seem to grow in the darkness of night? That universal experience sets the stage for this powerful devotional that transforms our understanding of God's presence in our lowest moments.

Drawing from Isaiah 57:15, we explore the remarkable truth that the High and Exalted One who dwells in eternity doesn't just reside in heavenly realms—He specifically makes His home with those whose spirits are broken and crushed. 

Your life is an unceasing "yes" to the fact that you are beloved. You were infinitely loved before you were ever wounded, and you remain an heir to God's healing power even in your darkest nights. Listen to this devotional from "Safe in the Father's Heart" by Sylvia Gunter with Elizabeth Gunter, and discover the Friend who never questions why you're calling so late.

Speaker 1:

The Father's Business was founded by Sylvia Gunter to encourage people to a deeper relationship with God. Thank you for listening to this devotional. Why does it always seem that everything we're concerned about feels bigger in the night? In those times we all feel the need for a friend we can call when we're struggling in the middle of the night, and they don't question why you called so late. This type of friend will drop everything to be with you just because you say you need them. The great news is is that we all have that friend. Father, son and Holy Spirit are available 24-7, waiting to hear from us. Their phone is never turned off. They are ready to answer us, even if all we can do is sigh.

Speaker 1:

Isaiah 57-15 says For this is what the High and Exalted One says he who lives forever, whose name is Holy. The English language doesn't do this verse justice. The way it has been translated makes it sound very religious and exclusive. God only lives with those who are contrite and humble. Contrite and humble Hmm, that leaves me out. But if you dig into the meaning of the words, you see a much different picture. Listen to it this way. For this is what the High and exalted one says he who lives in eternity, whose name is holy. I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one whose spirit has been broken and crushed like fine dust, and with the one whose spirit is depressed and low. And with the one whose spirit is depressed and low, I live with them to revive and bring life back to their depressed and low spirit, and to revive and bring life back to the heart of those who are crushed and broken. The love and worship I have for God. As I read this truth is hard to put into words, but with all that is within me, I say yes, god, you are so high and exalted, so, other than that, we as humans cannot look on your glory. Your name is holy and you rightfully live in your high and holy place. And yet you also live with me, even when I'm broken and crushed and depressed in spirit, when I would like to hide in a hole and pull the hole in on top of myself. You know right where I am and you're there with me. You live with me, there to bring life back to my heart and spirit.

Speaker 1:

Hallelujah, what a Father, savior, comforter, healer and Ultimate Friend. Be blessed to hear your Father speak to you about His deep bonds with you, deeper than friendship, deep attachment to you with cords of unfailing love. Hear him speak to you about trust, faith and love that is much deeper than just surviving. Hear the soft voice of your father speaking in the core of your essence. You are the beloved right where you are. On you his favor rests. He sees you as a precious being. Be blessed to know you were infinitely loved before you were ever wounded. That's the truth of your life. Your life is an unceasing yes to the fact that you are beloved because of God's great love and you are an heir to his healing power.

Speaker 1:

Your father says I called you by name from the very beginning. You belong to me and I know you as my own and I am yours. I molded you in your mother's womb. I carved you in the palms of my son. I hide you in the shadow of my embrace. You have my infinite tenderness and I care for you intimately. I have counted every hair on your head and wherever you go, I'll go with you.

Speaker 1:

Wherever you rest, I'll keep watch. I give you food that will satisfy all your hunger and drink that will quench all your thirst. I will never hide my face from you. Nothing will ever separate you from my love. Wherever you are, I am. Live your life as my redeemed child. You can reach out to true inner freedom and find it ever more fully. Be blessed in the name of the high and exalted one whose name is Holy, who revives the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite. This devotional is from Safe in the Father's Heart by Sylvia Gunter with Elizabeth Gunter. For more info or to order your own copy, please go to wwwthefathersbusinesscom.

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