God surrounds us like the Pacific surrounds an ocean floor pebble. He is everywhere; above, below, on all sides.

We choose our response.

Will I be rock or sponge?

Will I resist or receive?

There are times in life when everything within you says, "Harden your heart. Run from God. Resist God. Blame God."

But be careful. Hard hearts never heal. Spongy ones do.

Open every pore of your soul to God's presence. Do so by laying claim to the nearness of God. The Father promises us:

Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Grip this promise like the parachute it is.

Repeat it over and over until it trumps the voices of fear.

The Lord God is with you, and He is mighty to save! Cling to His character. Quarry from your Bible a list of the deep qualities of God and press them into your heart. He is sovereign. You will get through this!

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22—23 ESV).

Open every pore of your soul to God's presence.

© Max Lucado.

All rights reserved.

From Max's book

You'll Get Through This