God is Near

For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him?  (Daut. 4:7 NLT).

   How near is your god?  Do you daily sense his presence? 

   We are instructed in the book of James to draw close to God, and God will draw close to you...(4:8 NLT).

   In Deuteronomy, Chapter four, Moses is about to remind the people of Israel why they should never lose sight of God's nearness. 

   "But watch out!" Moses says, "be very careful never to forget what you have seen the Lord do for you.  Do not let these things escape from your mind as long as you live!  And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren."  (Deut. 4:9 NLT).

   Israel was constantly surrounded by visual reminders of God's nearness:  the provision of quail and manna during their wilderness travels, his presence in the Holy of Holies, the pillar of cloud and fire, the Ten Commandments written on tablets of stone, and the collapse of the walls of Jericho.

   God repeatedly demonstrated his nearness both through anger and grace.  He revealed his anger when they worshipped the golden calf and at the same time exercised grace by not destroying the entire camp. 

   We don't have the external reminders today as Israel did -- but God is near.  In fact, we are blessed with a greater nearness than Israel because the Bible says, "don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body."  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT).

   The disciples learned through personal experience about the "nearness of God."  Out on the lake in the midst of a violent storm they cried out, "Lord save us!"  Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the waves -- all were safe. 

   When cares and trials overwhelm you look inward and call upon the Lord because he is near, even in your heart.  You don't have to shout -- a whisper will do.  He is listening and waiting for your call.  His 911 line is always open, and you won't be put on hold. 

Thought for the Day: God has an innumerable number of lines open to take your call.