The Nearness of the Lord
Katie Flores, Guest Writer
TODAY’S TREASURE
Is there any greater provision we have than the nearness of the Lord? It’s amazing we can call on Him any time we want. Just think about that for a minute. I don’t even feel like I can always call my friends without texting them first to see if they are available. (As an aside, I’ve often laughed at this with my friends. Why do we text each other to see if we are available for a phone call?!? If we are not available, can’t we just not answer the phone?) God is always available for us.
I often look up sign language to help me explain words and concepts to children. I love the sign language for “help” and “trust,” two words whose sentiment is felt here at the end of Psalm 145. “Help” is shown by making a thumbs up with one hand and setting it on top of your other hand extended flat. Next, you move both hands up together. We often recite Hebrews 4:16 in our worship service, and I have this picture in my head every time I say, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” It’s so reassuring to feel the presence of one hand lifting up the other, knowing that God lifts us up when He helps us.
We can call to God for help because He can be trusted. There are multiple ways to sign for “trust,” but my favorite is reaching out like you are taking hold of a rope and pulling down. God is so near to us that though He first reached out to take hold of us, we can reach out to Him for help any time we desire. He is there.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
This is our testimony to those we are around. How can we show others we are going to our all-sufficient God to meet our needs? Do we give God the glory for the times He has helped us? We can draw near to God, who desires to have a personal and intimate relationship with His people. This remarkable fact is not something we should keep quiet but share with everyone we meet. We live in God’s kingdom with an everlasting King in a throne room we can always enter. Whom can you tell today?
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PRAYER
Lord, Your nearness to us is a provision beyond measure. Thank You. May our lives testify to Your faithfulness, and may we share the joy of a personal relationship with You. Amen.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.