DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
by Pastor Gene and Elenor Kern
A new phrase, “Social Distancing,” has recently been introduced to us because of the Coronavirus. We realize how important it is to obey and follow the guidelines presented to us to protect ourselves and others. We can honestly say that we miss the warm smiles, hugs, and interactions we are personally accustomed to.
However, it is a good time, as followers of Christ, to reflect on the powerful words of Scripture that tells us about “Spiritual Closeness”. When we invite Jesus Christ into our lives as our Savior, we are promised that the Holy Spirit comes to (dwell) live inside our very being.
“Thou art NEAR, O lord.” (Psalm 119:151)
“The Lord is NEAR to all who call upon Him.” (Psalm 145:18)
“The Word is NEAR you, in your mouth and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8)
“The Lord is NEAR to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18)
These are just a few reminder to us of the closeness or NEARNESS of our God.
What are our responsibilities in sensing God’s NEARNESS to us?
“Draw NEAR to God and He will draw NEAR to you”. (James 4:8)
“Let us draw NEAR with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.”
(Hebrews 10:20)
“Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is NEAR.”
(Philippians 4:5)
When our children were very young and afraid, or when we were standing by the bedside of a very sick, weak friend, we would often share this simple visual. We would take their one hand, and pointing to each individual finger, repeat the promise of God found in Hebrews 13:5, “I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU.” We would then ask them to fold that hand into a fist. The closed hand was the perfect picture of where they were, so NEAR to God, protected inside His hand. That’s how NEAR your God is also to You!
