God Is Closer Than You Think: If God Is Always With Us, Why Is He So Hard to Find?

by Ortberg John

Two works of art help John Ortberg think about the presence of God. One is Michelangelo Buonarroti’s brilliant painting of God and Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. God is close. His hand comes within a hair’s breath of the hand of the man. It seems to say that God is closer than we think—he’s here, now, today, accessible to all who will but “lift a finger.”

The second work of art is Martin Hanford’s cartoon character Waldo. He is on every page of the Where’s Waldo? books, but he can be difficult to find. In the same way, even though God is present on every page of our lives, he’s often not easy to spot.

In God Is Closer Than You Think, John Ortberg examines this frustrating paradox of the Christian life.
“When it is so easy to ‘see’ God all around me (in trees, in birds, in nature) why is it so hard to feel his presence—especially when I need him most?”
Ortberg helps readers discover the secret to living daily in the reality of God’s most frequent promise in Scripture, “I will be with you.”

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Spirituality, Religion

306 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2005

Reviews

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ortberg has a way with words...I thank God for talented authors like Him who write books to strengthen Christians in their walk with Him.

I had to keep a pen nearby as I constantly came across nuggets of truth. The way which Ortberg weaves illustrations with Biblical truth makes a strong impact upon the reader.

Chapter seven, Spiritual Pathways, was probably my favorite. In matter of fact, I took an evening before bedtime this past week and read the chapter to my family. In my opinion, the truth was profound. In the chapter, Ortberg lays out the premise that because God made us individuals, certain "growth pathways" will resonate better with some. He lays out the following pathways and the dangers associated with them:

1. Intellectual Pathway
2. Relational Pathway
3. Serving Pathway
4. Worship Pathway
5. Activist Pathway
6. Contemplative Pathway
7. Creation Pathway

He is not saying you will only grow in the area of your pathway. What he is proposing is that because people are different, they will each respond favorably on different pathways.

Every Christian would benefit from the truths contained in this book.

[Joni Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, easy to read, inspiring book about being aware of God’s presence, minute by minute; praying ‘let Your kingdom come into my friendships, my family, my marriage’ and ‘God, make things down here as they are up there.’ ‘God is never more than a thought away; to make my mind a home for Jesus, I deliberately fill my mind with the kinds of things God says are important.’

[Jack Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar book—pastor tone, humorous, practical, and captures big-picture-level Biblical ideas with such simplicity. Highly recommend. I’d probably want to get this in someone’s hands in the first few years of their walk with Jesus.

[Samuel Eastlund · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read through this with someone from my church over a number of weeks. I think that of all the problems with what one of my friends calls 'Big Eva', the most widespread is a lack of intellectual rigour, and this book is a prime example of that. Granted, it is almost certainly intended to be widely accessible, but it doesn't even stretch your thinking at all. Ortberg references anecdotes and quotes from other authors more frequently than the Bible. That's okay in principle, it can be necessary to expound a text lucidly, but the Bible appears so infrequently it could easily come across as a generic book on spirituality. The kind I imagine written by those perennialists who ransack every sacred scripture they can find for wise observations about the world.

I don't think Ortberg's actual argument is all that bad. God really is closer than we often think. I just wouldn't recommend this book to someone who was struggling to see how to think about God.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very encouraging, inspiring and also practical book for anyone wanting to know more of God's presence day by day. John Ortberg writes in his usual friendly style, with amusing throwaway lines and family anecdotes here and there. He also covers a lot of very important issues, and debunks certain viewpoints (such as the idea that God is only interested in people doing 'spiritual' activities).

There's a useful chapter about different pathways to finding God: this was very reassuring to one who sometimes finds church services rather dull. There's also a chapter about why God sometimes seems far away. And much more.

I'd recommend this very highly to anyone even remotely interested in Christian spirituality. A book I am sure I'll return to.

Longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg is a fascinating book. I don't think I have read very many books with so much humor and references to popular movies. The humor was refreshing.

Obviously, Ortberg's main point is that God is closer than we think, and He is right. It took me a minute to get into the book, because it was hard to see where Ortberg was going. In some ways, his thoughts seem scattered, but in other ways, I appreciated how he got where he was going. This is not a book that is easy to describe in a review, so I will give a few quotes that impacted me the most:

"Spiritual habituation is in some ways more dangerous than spiritual depravity because it can be so subtle, so gradual. Mostly it involves a failure to see."

"Perhaps our capacity to pay attention to God-like the capacity to lift weights or speak Spanish-only gets stronger when it gets exercised."

"I believe that the greatest moment of your life is this moment right here. This tick of the clock. This beat of your heart. The greatest moment of your life is now."

'"In my Father's house are many rooms," Jesus said. One of them was added on when you because his child. The one is yours, and no one else can ever occupy it. It is secret to you and him. It's your own private Sistine Chapel. It is furnished by every moment of intimacy and wonder and togetherness shared by you and your Father. In the whole divine journey, no one else can walk your pathway. In the whole cosmic choir, no one else can sing your song."

Slight spoiler alert: if you like the movie The Princess Bride, this book is worth reading just to see what he did with it here. I highly recommend the book.

[Dawn Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Ortberg, perfect book for where I am walking right now!

[Laura Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read with some good thoughts to ponder. His word pictures are excellent. Inspiring, funny and a good one to start out reading at the beginning of the year.

[Sam Crosbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light read, some great ideas but doesn’t go into much depth. Timely.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book yesterday. John Ortberg is one of the funniest, down to earth, insightful Christian writers that I admire. Some of it is fluff, but never without meaningful Truth. I love his analogy of finding God like finding Waldo. On the early pages, he's always there, and it's so exciting to find him. But as you turn the pages, he blends in a little bit more and it's frustrating to not be able to see him as clearly. But that does not mean that he's not there. God sometimes "hides" h=Himself from His children, so that we would get better at finding Him. But He never leaves us. Our eyes must never lose the wonder of our first love. I especially love the chapter on meditation. I may use that in a sermon in the near future.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of the author reading his book but John Ortberg does such a good job with this. He has such a good sense of humor and brings his own words to life.

This is the kind of book that should be re-read annually as a reminder to 'bring up there down here.'

As you wish.

I recommend.

[Jennifer Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't really complain about this being "too preachy", it is a Christian book. It was one referenced in The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible As Literally As Possible. Started off interestingly enough with the author's thoughts on Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel, then he tried to be hip and use slang. The problem is when your only street conection is Baptist teen church nerds you don't sound too krunck just really, really white. Like Kevin Costner white.

[Theresa F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I bought this book, I was looking for a magic formula, something that would instantly improve my 'personal relationship' with God. The fact is, there is no magic formula, no 'quick fix'. The book is structured as more of a long-term plan, a plan that requires effort and dedication to implement. However having read the book, I believe the author was right in using this approach. When it comes to a person's spiritual well-being it's good to think long-term, because too often someone will start out strong only to lose direction once their initial enthusiasm wears off.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? Maybe.
Would I recommend it? Not sure.

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is more like a 2.5 for me--too much fluff and too little substance.

Ortberg shares many, many little stories and insights--too many, in fact--and easily lost my interest. The teaching is Biblical but rather elementary. He seemed to be missing an opportunity to teach his readers a thing or two about the Bible.

I simply did not get anything out of this book at all. I had high(ish) expectations and am someone who struggles understanding why God is so hard to find but didn't manage to find any answers whatsoever in this book.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We used this book in Sunday school at church and I loved the dvd that accompanied the book. John Ortberg has such a great perspective on how we should be living our lives and drawing closer to God. Would highly recommend for bible study groups.

[Andrew W · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book that challenges you to open your eyes wider and dive deeper in your awareness of Gods presence.

[Wendell Hennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like so many others these days, I am frustrated and disappointed with mainline churches and that is made worse by christian conservative governments/politicians whose christian beliefs and actions alienate transsexuals, disparage Indigenous people, LGTBQ people and homeless people, and continue to treat women as second class members of our society, controlling their bodies. This 183 page book was filled with evidence that God does exist here in our world among us. Written with a Where is Waldo recurring theme, John Ortberg gives example after example of God being among us through our actions and interactions with our neighbors.

Each of us are unique and distinct, some are conductors of energy and some are insulators of energy. There is need for both in the electrical circuit of life. Some of us are outgoing and others are private and withdrawn. There is no right way or wrong way in the church, one size does not fit all. We love each of our children for different aspects of their character and make up. Jesus did not say that church was a means to entry to heaven, but he said we are to love all, and thereby we make room for God among us and bring heaven to us.

Laced with humor and loaded with touching stories demonstrating God's presence among us. One of the most inspiring reads I have encountered on the church and christianity.

[Larry Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First of all, I’m drawn to humor and he gives us some of that (if your reading attentively) but I was also drawn to the reality of those times in my walk with Christ where I know I am being complacent and feel like God has withdrawn from me and if so, rightfully so, but this book reminds us that God is “always” closer than we think if we just let go of our own restrictive tendencies leading to wanting to control things in our lives. It awakens my “reality” when I get perturbed by people while driving (am I alone here?) and I fight the constant tendencies to call them “Idiots” and then seek forgiveness for my own attitude because I know “God is Closer” than I remembered! 🤪 Even in my vain attempt to say something nice out loud (not very often) about the driver who irritated me, God just read my mind and what I really thought!!?? If we lose the passion to seek God in our own space, the recognition of His closeness is made vague, not due to His absence but our own lack of awareness and seeking. This book made me think more of the need in my life to let His presence be seen around me in all things, not just when I think He is there. Enjoyed the book sir!!

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ortberg writes in an engaging voice as he walks through issues pertaining to intimacy with God. The book is graced with multiple quotes from great Christian thinkers that add a depth of reflection to the various topics discussed.

There is candor on the writer’s part as he discloses humbling learning moments and there are ample anecdotal details that paint a theological mosaic of God’s immanence for the reader. Essentially, Ortberg argues that God is discovered in every life situation — in pain and suffering, in the celebration of creation, in daily living. The wealth of life in Christ is not solely futuristic because Jesus brought the reality of heaven down to earth and we should all live under that awareness of God’s closeness.

This work balances the sometimes harsh life circumstances with a hopeful message that our Lord can be found in each of them. It draws from biblical references and the historical reflections of past spiritual giants. The style is highly accessible and is distinctly written for a North American audience though it’s principles can easily transfer to other cultures.

[Sahara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is my first book by John Ortberg and I must say I am impressed. I loved his writing style, they way he relates old scriptures to contemporary things such as the DMV.

There are small jokes. That is always good when reading a book, I like to laugh and smile.

What I loved the most is that at this particular time in my life I am going through one of the hardest things in my life, as well as one of the greatest things that could ever happen in my life. I am at constant war with how I feel. This book helped me get back to the right path of finding the good, focusing on the good, and when I couldn't then it reminded me to pray for good.

God was speaking to me as I read this book. It felt as if this book was written for the plight I am going through.

I feel as if I were guided by God to pick up this book from the clearance section of Barnes and Noble just 5 days ago. God knew what I needed to hear ( or read, rather) and guided this book to me.

[Elisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise this book was! I've never read Ortberg--I had only heard of him in a small note in a book I can't even remember. I listened to this as an audio book because I wanted a spiritual book and I thought the title was interesting. It was great. Ortberg is a pretty simple writer. It reads like sermon notes. I like his simplicity and straightforward style of writing. And I walked away with some provocative thoughts--some good rocks in my shoe to get me thinking. I always appreciate a book that gives me a fresh attitude toward the Lord...and I needed this more than I realized. I have a lot of things in my life that are pretty disappointing. It doesn't seem like that disappointment will end any time soon. So I need reminders that God is good, that He is close, and that life is really about being with and obeying Him.

[Larry Hiday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have always loved art and one of my all time favorite pieces is Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam" (although Ortberg believes another title would be more accurate, but you'll have to read it to find out what it is), so when I found a book that centered on that artwork, I was hooked. (Thanks to one of my colleagues for sharing this in her devotional thoughts.) Ortberg uses many different situations and analogies and stories to show ways in which God's closeness appears. Or doesn't. I would give this a 4.5 if there were those options available. Great thought provoking read. And finally a book that didn't take weeks/months!

[Josh Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of his books, Ortberg takes topics that Dallas Willard has written about and communicates them in a way that doesn't take a mere mortal a year to process. To be clear, I love Willard and I love Ortberg. This book's backbone is based around developing a practice of the presence of God in your everyday life, but it also covers everything from hearing God to what the kingdom of Heaven is like. If you're looking for a portable, digestible encounter with these topics that you can start practicing today, I highly recommend reading this book.

[Aimee Hutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had really ambivalent feelings about this book. On the one hand, there were many pearls of wisdom that really resonated with me, there was a lot of scripture backed up by valid points I'd never considered before. However, the author continuously makes jokes that I didn't find funny at all, and doesn't indicate in any way that he's joking, so occasionally I was questioning if this was actually true. Similarly, he uses colloquial slang and sayings that, as a British person, I didn't understand. Some of his assumptions I also disagreed with, though his fundamental points were excellent.

[Alina Gyarmati · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and insightful book.
"His voice is heard most clearly in the silence of despair. The purpose and beauty of God’s silence, He knows the desire of the heart and knows what I am thinking.
​Failures often outnumber achievements. His silence is participation. He trusts me. He knows the outcome.
If we want more faith, we must do more things.
​God does not always take us on the safest route, but on the route where we will grow the most.
​Let us not dwell on what we have lost, but on what we will do with what we have.
Continue to bring the things you have to Jesus and let Him decide what to do with them. He will turn our gifts into amazing things."

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ortberg offers practical adivce for how to gain a closer relationship to God. This proximital relationship is achieved by realizing that God is always with you and that he in facts chases you with his arms open in love. Through a blend of pop culture and Christian elements Ortberg perfectly creates an entertaining and applicable text that lifts the spirit and reminds us that our hope in life is God. Thank God, he is closer than we think.

[sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ortberg shares about finding God in everyday moments and also practicing his presence. It offers a challenging, yet gentle perspective. It is about recognising his presence in unpredictable places or circumstances. of discovering spirituality in the ordinary fabric of life. It offers a gentle perspective on recognizing the presence of the divine in unexpected moments and situations.

I might have missed some of its nuances and intend to re-read it for a deeper understanding.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the concept of God is Closer Than You Think. One of the first things that struck me in the book is when he said, "The Bible is a book about God wanting to be with his people." This book isn't by a member of my faith, but I like to learn from others who have different beliefs

This book isn't stunning or groundbreaking, but it is worth the read. I've posted several quotes from the book on my social media accounts.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, gentle book. It actually only took me a few days to read it. I don’t know why I didn’t finish it when I started 6 months ago. Finally last week I decided to read a chapter a night.
The author has a wonderful sense of humor and a practical way of helping the reader see heaven here on earth and how we can cultivate awareness of its existence.

[Kirk Weikart · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and easy to follow spiritual journey reminding readers that Jesus is everywhere we look, much like Waldo. Complementary information such as spiritual pathways are also discussed, as the author is unafraid of quoting other authors that support his general theme. And of course, the witty Ortberg is ever present.