The Lord Is Near
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything” Philippians 4:5-6a
You are not alone. You may feel alone. You may think you are alone. But there is never a moment in which you face life without help. God is near!
God has repeatedly assured us of His presence.
To Abram, God said: Do not be afraid… I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward. Genesis 15:1
To Hagar, the angel announced: Do not be afraid; God has heard. Genesis 21:17.
When Isaac was expelled from his land by the Philistines and forced to move from place to place, God appeared to him and reminded him,
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Genesis 26:24.
After Moses’ death, God told Joshua: Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
God was with David, despite his failings, with Jacob, despite his conniving, and with Elijah, despite his lack of faith.
Ultimate God called Himself Immanuel: “God with us.”
He became flesh. He became Sin. He defeated the grave. He is still with us. In the form of His Spirit, He comforts, teaches, and convicts.
No! Do not assume God is watching from a distance. No, God has not left you! Do not indulge in this lie. If you do, your problem will be amplified by a sense of loneliness.
It’s one thing to face a challenge, but you are not alone. Choose instead to be the person who holds on to the presence of God with both hands.
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 118:6.
And because the Lord is near, we cannot allow anxiety.