The Nearness of God
3/9/2024
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." - Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
In this verse, we find an absolute truth about the nature of God and the intimacy of our relationship with Him. Let's take a moment to reflect on what this verse teaches us about the nearness of God and how we can experience it in our lives.
The Nearness of God: The psalmist begins by declaring that the Lord is near. This simple statement carries profound implications for our faith. It reminds us that we serve a God who is not distant or aloof but is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. God is not a far-off deity who is indifferent to our struggles and joys; rather, He is a God who draws near to us with love, compassion, and grace.
God is not distant or unapproachable. He is a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us. He longs to hear from us, to be involved in every aspect of our lives. And when we call on Him in truth, with hearts that are open and honest, He responds with grace and mercy.
All Who Call on Him: The promise of nearness is not reserved for a select few but is extended to all who call on the name of the Lord. Regardless of our background, circumstances, or past mistakes, God invites us into a relationship with Him. He eagerly waits for us to turn to Him in prayer, seeking His presence and guidance in our lives.
In Truth: The psalmist adds a crucial qualifier to this promise. God is near to those who call on Him in truth. This means that our relationship with God must be characterized by sincerity, honesty, and authenticity. We cannot approach God with pretense or falsehood but must come before Him with open hearts and minds, ready to receive His truth and respond obediently to His will.
When we call on the Lord in truth, we are acknowledging His sovereignty, His power, and His goodness. We are coming before Him with humility and sincerity, laying our hearts bare before Him. And in return, He draws near to us, ready to listen, comfort, and guide us.
Experiencing God's Nearness: So, how do we experience the nearness of God in our lives? It begins with a humble recognition of our need for Him and a sincere desire to draw closer to Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, we will find that He draws near to us, comforting us in times of trouble, guiding us in times of uncertainty, and rejoicing with us in times of blessing.
As we meditate on Psalm 145:18, may we be encouraged by the assurance of God's nearness and motivated to pursue a deeper relationship with Him in all that we do.
So let us be encouraged to call on the Lord in every situation, knowing that He is near and ready to help. Let us seek Him with all our hearts and trust in His faithfulness. May we find comfort and peace in the knowledge that the Lord is always close at hand, waiting for us to turn to Him in truth.
Today, I pray that our Heavenly Father accepts our thanks for the promise of His nearness. I pray that He helps us as we call on Him in truth, seeking His presence in every aspect of our lives. I pray that we may experience the joy and peace that comes from walking closely with Him each day. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." - Psalm 145:18 (ESV)
In this verse, we find an absolute truth about the nature of God and the intimacy of our relationship with Him. Let's take a moment to reflect on what this verse teaches us about the nearness of God and how we can experience it in our lives.
The Nearness of God: The psalmist begins by declaring that the Lord is near. This simple statement carries profound implications for our faith. It reminds us that we serve a God who is not distant or aloof but is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. God is not a far-off deity who is indifferent to our struggles and joys; rather, He is a God who draws near to us with love, compassion, and grace.
God is not distant or unapproachable. He is a loving Father who desires a personal relationship with each and every one of us. He longs to hear from us, to be involved in every aspect of our lives. And when we call on Him in truth, with hearts that are open and honest, He responds with grace and mercy.
All Who Call on Him: The promise of nearness is not reserved for a select few but is extended to all who call on the name of the Lord. Regardless of our background, circumstances, or past mistakes, God invites us into a relationship with Him. He eagerly waits for us to turn to Him in prayer, seeking His presence and guidance in our lives.
In Truth: The psalmist adds a crucial qualifier to this promise. God is near to those who call on Him in truth. This means that our relationship with God must be characterized by sincerity, honesty, and authenticity. We cannot approach God with pretense or falsehood but must come before Him with open hearts and minds, ready to receive His truth and respond obediently to His will.
When we call on the Lord in truth, we are acknowledging His sovereignty, His power, and His goodness. We are coming before Him with humility and sincerity, laying our hearts bare before Him. And in return, He draws near to us, ready to listen, comfort, and guide us.
Experiencing God's Nearness: So, how do we experience the nearness of God in our lives? It begins with a humble recognition of our need for Him and a sincere desire to draw closer to Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, we will find that He draws near to us, comforting us in times of trouble, guiding us in times of uncertainty, and rejoicing with us in times of blessing.
As we meditate on Psalm 145:18, may we be encouraged by the assurance of God's nearness and motivated to pursue a deeper relationship with Him in all that we do.
So let us be encouraged to call on the Lord in every situation, knowing that He is near and ready to help. Let us seek Him with all our hearts and trust in His faithfulness. May we find comfort and peace in the knowledge that the Lord is always close at hand, waiting for us to turn to Him in truth.
Today, I pray that our Heavenly Father accepts our thanks for the promise of His nearness. I pray that He helps us as we call on Him in truth, seeking His presence in every aspect of our lives. I pray that we may experience the joy and peace that comes from walking closely with Him each day. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2024
January
In The Beginning: A Great Place to Start.Do you see what I see?Hide and SeekSurrendering to God's GuidanceThe Benefits of Renewing Our MindA Light that Never CeasesAre You In Church?God Makes All Things NewThe Value of Each OtherRenewed Day by DayDelight in the Presence of the LordNever AloneGod: Our Refuge and StrengthPursuing Peace and Shunning EvilRejoicing in God's PromisesSeeking and FindingThe Faithfulness of God: Our Source of EncouragementA Heart of AbundanceSowing Righteousness, Reaping God's LoveThe Power of God at WorkPray. Pause. Patience.It’s Time to Go to WorkOur Father in HeavenThe Power of Prayer and Confidence in GodFinding Peace Through PrayerMay You Have Ears That HearThe Holy Spirit: Our Source of Strength and HopeThe Persistent Pursuit of FaithThe Story of GraceWe Know Not The HourGreed Be Gone
February
United in ChristThe Seeking ShepherdDo You Hear Me?Turn It OnMy Help Comes From The LordThe Patient Love of GodHe Never Forgets The GoodThe Overwhelming Mercy of GodUnity in the Body of ChristForgiveness - A Reflection of God's LoveHoliness through PeaceDevotion and HonorLove Your EnemiesThe Great Exchange of GraceWalking in LoveWe Must Die to LiveThe Most Famous VerseThe Ultimate SacrificeThe Lamb of GodReflecting God's HeartHome SickChosen and CalledEmbracing Our Identity as Children of GodEmbracing Our Identity in ChristHe Is All We NeedTrusting GodBuilding Yourself Up in FaithBeing A Radiant Witnesses in God's KingdomYou Cannot Be Healed of The Things That You Hide
March
Embracing Divine ForgivenessThe Power of ForgivenessFinding Peace Through FaithGlorifying God's NameKeeping Our Focus on JesusEvery Good Gift Comes from AboveWorshiping the CreatorFinding Strength in God's PromisesThe Nearness of GodCreated for Good WorksGo and Preach the GospelThe Power of the GospelThe Way, the Truth, and the LifeThe Secret of True GenerosityGuided By The LightFollowing the Servant KingHe Was Fully ManFully ForgivenPraise and Worship AlwaysHoly is His NameLiving as a WitnessesCome. See. Go. Tell. Listen. Understand.For Such A Time As ThisThe Arrival of the Servant KingThey Will Always BeThe Power of PrayerThe Weight of BetrayalServing Others with HumilityEnter with ConfidenceRaised to New LifeHe Is Not Here
No Comments