The Nearness of God: Finding Hope in His Presence
In the chaos of life, it's easy to feel alone, overwhelmed, and pushed to the edge. We often find ourselves wondering, "Where is God in all of this?" The beautiful truth is that God is nearer than we think, waiting for us to call out to Him.
Consider the story of a young girl being tickled relentlessly by her older brothers. In her moment of distress, she cries out, "Dad!" Instantly, her father swoops in, scattering the boys and scooping her into his protective embrace. This simple yet powerful illustration reminds us of how close our Heavenly Father is, ready to respond when we call on Him.
The Bible assures us in Psalm 145:18, "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, who call on Him in truth." It's a promise we can cling to, especially in our darkest moments. But how often do we forget this truth and instead feel distant from God?
Sometimes, we get caught up in our own busyness, what one wise person described as being "Burdened Under Satan's Yoke." We touch base with God superficially but fail to truly spend time in His presence. As a result, our responses become short, our patience thin, and our inner nature begins to reveal itself in ways that don't reflect Christ.
The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 serves as a poignant reminder of how even the mightiest believers can fall prey to fear and despair. After a great victory, Elijah finds himself running for his life, feeling alone and ready to give up. But God meets him in his moment of weakness, asking, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
How often do we need to hear God ask us the same question? "What are you doing here?" When we're wallowing in self-pity, feeling sorry for ourselves, or existing on the edge of what God has called us to do, He gently confronts us and reminds us of His presence.
God showed Elijah that He wasn't in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Sometimes, we need to quiet the chaos around us to hear God's still, small voice. He's that close, desiring to minister to our spirits and show us who He is.
In our brokenness, we often feel unworthy of God's love and presence. We compare our sins to others, thinking, "At least I'm not as bad as that person." But the truth is, sin is sin. As the Apostle Paul boldly declared in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."
This admission of our brokenness opens the door for God's transformative work in our lives. Like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold-laced epoxy, God takes our brokenness and gives it a golden lining. What was once fractured becomes a beautiful testament to His redemptive power.
The key to experiencing God's nearness lies in practicing His presence daily. Isaiah 50:4 paints a beautiful picture of this: "He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed." By turning to God first thing each day, we position ourselves to hear His voice and receive His guidance.
James 4:8 encourages us to "Come near to God and he will come near to you." This invitation requires action on our part. It may mean repenting of sin that's keeping us distant from God, humbling ourselves before Him, or simply making time to sit in His presence.
The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 reminds us that no matter how far we've wandered, the Father is always watching, waiting for our return. When we "come to our senses" and turn back to Him, He receives us with open arms, restoring us fully as His beloved children.
In the midst of life's valleys and mountaintops, God remains constant. Psalm 23:4 assures us, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." He walks with us through every season, guiding us with His presence.
As we close, let's reflect on the words of Philippians 4:4-8. We're encouraged to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." When we do this, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The passage concludes with a powerful exhortation: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
In a world full of negativity and fear, we have the choice to focus on the goodness of God, His nearness, and His love for us. By doing so, we open ourselves to experience His presence in profound ways, finding hope, peace, and purpose in Him.
Remember, no matter where you are or what you're going through, God is near. He sees you, loves you, and is ready to meet you right where you are. All you need to do is call out to Him. In His presence, you'll find the strength to face any challenge, the courage to overcome any fear, and the love to heal any brokenness. You are never alone, for the Lord is always near.
