6/6/25 God Is Closer Than You Think

Takeaway: God is NOT far away or uninterested.

Opening Prayer (Friday)

God, as this week comes to a close, I ask for endurance to finish strong. Keep my heart steadfast, my mind focused on You, and my spirit at peace in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

One of the most persistent illusions we face in the life of faith is the illusion of distance; the idea that God is far away, removed from our pain, uninterested in the details of our lives. Especially in seasons of silence, or suffering, we may feel as though God has turned His face or stepped out of reach. We look around for signs of His presence and, finding none that match our expectations, we assume absence. But Scripture paints a radically different picture. In Psalm 139, David dismantles this illusion by declaring that no matter where David goes, up to heaven, down to the depths, or across the sea, God is already there. The psalmist speaks not just of God’s omnipresence in theory, but of God’s intimate, guiding presence: “even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.”

God is not watching from a distance. He is closer than your breath, nearer than your thoughts. The very Spirit of God dwells within you if you belong to Christ (Romans 8:9). He is present not only in the holy moments, but in the mundane and messy as well. You can find God in traffic jams, washing dishes, going through grief, experiencing disappointment, and quietly waiting. The distance we sometimes feel is not God’s withdrawal but often our discouragement, or misunderstanding. It is possible to mistake silence for absence, but God’s silence is never abandonment. His presence is constant, even when unperceived.

To live as a disciple is to remind our hearts to recognize this nearness. We do not need to chase after God or climb spiritual ladders to reach Him. We need only to be still, to be aware, and to trust God. Every breath you take, every place you go, every season you endure, He is already there. The path of discipleship doesn’t begin with our striving, but with the quiet realization that we walk with the One who never leaves. The illusion of distance shatters in the light of God’s abiding presence.

Questions

Where have you felt God to be absent in your life?

What would change if you truly believed He was already there, holding you fast?

Application

Start by pausing throughout your day, especially in ordinary or difficult moments, to acknowledge God’s presence. Whisper a prayer while doing dishes. Take a breath and invite Him into your frustration in traffic. Sit quietly for a minute before a meeting and remind yourself that the Spirit of God is with you and in you.

Closing Prayer

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve doubted Your nearness. Break the illusion that You are far away. Help me to become more aware of Your constant presence, even in silence and struggle. Teach me to trust that You are leading me, holding me, and walking with me every step of the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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