Athlete, There He Is

PLAYBOOK DEVOTIONAL

Athlete, There He Is

Mo Michalski

Ezekiel 48:35 (New International Version)

And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.

Ever looked hard for someone in a crowd and found him or her? I sure have. I’ve practiced this practically all my life. 

I did it as a kid, searching for a glimpse of my parents in the stands at my ball games. Later in life I sure did it, longing to spot my future wife and get her gaze even for one thrilling second. 

Now I long to see my family, my players and staff any time I can, and I rejoice in each “together” moment spliced into life’s constant hum. Can you relate to any of this?

Speaking of spotting, the book of Ezekiel ends dramatically with these four words: THE LORD IS THERE. The prophet Ezekiel wanted people to confidently find God in the midst of everything else going on in life. Having this reference point is crucial. 

Let’s take an Ezekiel-type moment and let some Scripture point us to where we can specifically expect to find God:

  • In the Heavens. (Isaiah 33:5)
  • On His throne. (Psalm 11:4)
  • In His temple. (Deuteronomy 12:5)
  • In concert and fellowship with others. (Matthew 18:20; Malachi 3:16)
  • In Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 23:25)
  • In Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:19)
  • On the cross. (Matthew 27:54; Colossians 1:19,20)
  • In human hearts, with people. (Revelation 21:3; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Ezekiel 37:27)
  • In the midst. (27 times “the Lord in the midst” is referenced in Ezekiel alone; see also Luke 17:21, 1 Corinthians 3:16)
  • In the “valley of the shadow of death.” (Psalm 23:4)
  • In quietness, solitude. (1 Kings 19:11–13)
  • In every moment that we draw near to Him. (James 4:8)
  • In prayer. (Jeremiah 33:3)
  • In His Word, the Bible. (Psalm 119:18; 2 Peter 1:19–21)
  • In pits and prisons. (Genesis 41:37; 45:7–8)
  • In the fiery furnace of trial and affliction. (Daniel 3:19–25; Isaiah 43:1–2) 
  • With the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18)
  • With the humble and contrite. (Isaiah 57:15)

What a great range of places to look and find God showing up! He’s all over the place. Praise the Lord with me!

Indeed, in a world full of all kinds of stress and uncertainty, THE LORD IS THERE. Rest assured. Find Him. Meet Him. Connect. Power up. And plug in others.

Reflect: Are you looking for the LORD? Are you struggling to spot Him? What fresh new way might you need to experience Him? What Scripture posted above deserves fuller attention?

Like Ezekiel, how can you point others to find the LORD? Who specifically needs a prompt?

A prayer to consider: LORD, You see, You know, You care. And You show up. Help me to do the same. Help me to see all Your worth and help others to do the same. By Your Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.

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