“At that time men began to call on the Name of the Lord.” Genesis 4:26
The above verse may be the Bible’s first reference to prayer. This should not suggest that people did not call out to God before this, rather, it might be the recognition of the contrast the Fall into Sin created between God and humanity. How wonderful it must have been for Adam and Eve to walk in the cool of the Garden and converse with God so directly. Certainly, we desire that same connection.
The truth is, that we worship a God Who is hidden, Who doesn’t reveal His full Self, and often hides in humility, loss, challenge and the ordinariness of life. To say that God is hidden should not suggest that He is absent. Indeed, to be hidden implies that He is present, even if we do not see Him in His fullness. God often comes to us in a whisper and often seems most present when we are facing a trial or difficulty.
Sometimes we can be discouraged in prayer thinking we are simply having a conversation with ourselves and we want to see God and hear Him speak. Such discouraging thoughts are lies of the devil! God has promised that He is always with us. He has promised to always hear our prayers. God speaks to us whenever we go to His Holy Word and when we do, His Spirit is active and real.
While one day we will see God face to face and speak directly with Him, until then, we can be certain that He is always present, in the good and the bad and in all times in between. When we call upon the Name of the Lord, He does not just appear at that time, He has always been there and always will be!
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian