God is Near
Paul was speaking in Athens, a city full of idols and altars where people were searching for truth in everything but God. Standing in front of philosophers at the Areopagus, he said something radical: the God who made everything isn’t distant or hard to reach. “He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; He’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him!” Acts 17:27–29 (MSG)
I remember one night lying awake, overwhelmed by a situation I couldn’t control. My mind was racing, and peace felt impossible. In that moment I whispered a simple prayer: “God, are You here?” And almost instantly, the weight lifted. Nothing about my circumstances had changed, but I was reminded that I wasn’t alone. God was near, and that truth steadied me.
As A.W. Tozer once said, “The presence of God is not something to seek; it is something to recognize.”
Here’s what knowing God is N.E.A.R. does for us:
N – Nurtures Peace
His presence calms our anxious hearts. We don’t walk into struggles alone; He goes before us, with us, and behind us.
“Worry shrinks when you remember God is within arm’s reach.”
E – Elevates Perspective
When every breath and step is in Him, we begin to see life differently. Even ordinary moments hold eternal significance because He is present in them.
“God’s nearness changes the way you see everything.”
A – Anchors Identity
We are His creation, not makers of Him. His nearness reminds us of who we are—sons and daughters formed in His image, not defined by idols or false securities.
“You are not defined by what you build, but by the One who built you.”
R – Rescues from Idols
Since God is this close, it’s foolish to trust in substitutes like success, possessions, or approval. His nearness keeps us grounded in Him instead of chasing after what cannot save.
“Why settle for a statue when the Savior is standing near?”
These four truths remind us we are never alone. With that in mind, here’s a prayer you can make your own.
Father, thank You that You are near. Let Your presence nurture peace in my heart, elevate how I see the world, anchor me in who You say I am, and rescue me from anything that tries to take Your place. Amen.
Make it Personal:
Where do I need God’s peace most right now?
How would my perspective shift if I truly believed He was with me in every moment today?
What “idol” or substitute am I tempted to lean on instead of God’s presence?
