God is Near
God is Near
These days can be trying. There is plenty of anxiety going around. But looking out my office window, it is quiet. It’s a beautiful fall day. The squirrels don’t know. They may only seem anxious about tearing up my mulch so they can hide an acorn. Oh well, it’s what they do. They are just getting ready to “draw in,” as my southern mother-in-law says. That means get your provisions in, get home, and get snuggly – perhaps with a good book! 😉
Now, if I go downstairs and turn on the television, that is another matter. Then, the clatter begins.
The election is approaching, and a candidate must be chosen. There are plenty of opinions to go around. And then there are the people in North Carolina and Florida trying to make sense of a disaster. Bad reports abound in our news.
You may ask – where is God? With all this going on, where is God? Friend, HE IS NEAR. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Through tragedy, I’ve watched people rush to their neighbor’s side to give help, even after losing their own home. Watched when badly needed supplies were delivered to people totally cut off from any services due to flood waters. Witnessed the hugs people are giving to one another and the help they are offering. Being present for one another is God in us. He loves us, and HE IS NEAR.
He breathes his refreshing spirit into our hearts when we feel we can’t go on. He knows what is happening in this world with its wars and famines. He sees those who are sick and suffering. But, take heart: GOD IS NEAR.
Sometimes, we must take our eyes off the dizzy world around us and look at the details of where we are right now in our own homes, jobs, and neighborhoods. The smile someone gave you when they saw your face at the coffee shop. The compliment someone paid you when you least expected it. Or your willingness to help out someone in need when we see it. Yes, GOD IS NEAR.
To free myself of fear, I find I am continually refreshed when I draw to Him. To pray for others and seek the friendship of those who love God. Maybe take time out of my busy schedule to call a lonely relative to show them that….GOD IS NEAR.
He is always there waiting for us– in the quiet and stillness of our hearts – if we let ourselves get there. HE IS NEAR. The Lord is near to all who call on him…Psalm 145:18 (a).
As we move into the election and holiday seasons, let us remember that we can make a difference in the world around us, and we don’t have to live in fear. HE IS NEAR.
Blessing, friends!