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God Is Everywhere

God Is Everywhere

Winn Collier

Winn Collier

Sun Aug 24 2025

Bible in a Year: Psalms 116-118; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19

Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it. Genesis 28:16

Today's Scripture:  Genesis 28:10-17

Insight

As we read this story in Genesis 28, it’s helpful to bear in mind Jacob’s natural character. His name means “he deceives.” He’s the brother who connived to take from his own twin, Esau, what wasn’t rightfully his (see 25:29-34; 27:1-41). Although Jacob was Abraham’s grandson, there’s no indication that he gave much thought to God up to this point. Yet God had clearly chosen him before he’d been born (25:21-23). In today’s reading, this story marks a turning point. The morning after Jacob’s dream, he set up a stone pillar on the spot as an altar (28:18) to this God he now knew personally. No matter where we encounter God—when we meet Him, our past counts for nothing. Our decision to worship Him is what matters.

The unassuming violinist, donning a baseball cap and T-shirt, set up near Washington, DC’s L’Enfant Plaza subway station. He moved the bow across the strings, making melodious tunes. But commuters rushed past, oblivious. He played an entire music program with only a handful of people stopping to listen. If the crowd had only known they were rushing past Joshua Bell, one of the greatest virtuosos of our generation, who had played at the Library of Congress the night before. Bell played several of the most difficult, mesmerizing violin pieces in the world, all on a 1713 Stradivarius worth roughly $3.5 million.

It’s easy to be unaware, to miss wonders right in front of us. This was Jacob’s experience as he journeyed to Harran (Genesis 28:10). He stopped and set up camp in a simple spot that seemed like any other, just a place to lay his head for the night. God appeared to him in a midnight dream, however, telling him that his numerous descendants would bless “all peoples on earth” (v. 14). He also assured Jacob that He would “watch over [him] wherever [he would] go” (v. 15). When he awoke, Jacob said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (v. 16).

God is everywhere, “fill[ing] heaven and earth” (Jeremiah 23:24). He’s present in the most ordinary places. Our invitation is to keep our eyes and ears open, to watch and listen for Him.

Reflect & Pray

Where have you been surprised by God’s presence? How can you live more aware of Him?

Dear God, it’s so easy to miss You. I want to see You and hear You.