God is Near

Psalm 145:17-20 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (NRSV)

It can be difficult to take God’s promises on face value – God’s good, God’s faithful, He’ll never leave you or forsake you … all well and good. But when the chips are down, is all that true?

Well, that depends. Of course the goodness, the power, the love, the faithfulness of God in any objective sense is true. But whether or not we experience any of them depends on how we respond to Him.

Psalm 145:17-20 The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of all who fear him; he also hears their cry, and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (NRSV)

Objective truth: The LORD is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. There’s no arguing with that. But to whom is He near? To all who call on him in truth. Whose desires does He fulfill? All those who fear him. Who does He save? Those whom he hears crying out to him. Over whom does He watch? Over all those who love Him.

Can I ask you, how have you responded to God? Have you called on Him in truth? Do you fear Him? Do you cry out to Him? Do you love Him? If your answer is yes, then you will receive all that He promises. You will experience the fullness of His Presence and His love.

But if the answer’s no, then know this: all the wicked he will destroy.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.