Jeremiah 23:23-24
“Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord. “No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.

The message of Israel’s false prophets was crafted to satisfy people rather than God. In response to Israel’s sin, they offered an unfounded peace. False teachers from every generation bring messages their hearers desire to take in. To every deceitful teacher and prophet God says, in essence, “You’ve got to be kidding!”

In today’s passage, God responds to the prophets by explaining two of his attributes. He is both omnipresent and omniscient. God is everywhere at the same time in his full being. He is both nearby and far away. God knows everything there is to know about everything there is to know! His knowledge and presence fill heaven and earth.

How can we apply these truths when we are fearful? First, wherever you are, God sees you. You are not hidden or alone. Second, whoever you are, God knows you. He knows you and your situation. He meets you right where you are, but he doesn’t leave you there. He takes you to where he wants you to be.

Father, thank you for knowing where we are and who we are. Help us trust you when we are weak. Help us to have confidence when we are shaken. Replace our fears with your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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