Today's Verse: Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near (Philippians 4:5). How do we know? He promised his people this long ago and kept his promise. He drew near to us in the manger with Jesus. He walked among us in ministry as Jesus touched, healed, blessed, raised, mended, and loved. He suffered with us, and for us, in Jesus' Passion. Many of us have experienced his nearness in tragedy, trial, heartbreak, and brokenness as he drew near to us to save us. Others of us have experienced his presence as we sought to share the message of Jesus, as he gave us words through the Holy Spirit and strength and courage to stand up to those who opposed us. The bigger questions are these: - Will our hearts be open to him and his presence? - Will we seek him and ask him to draw near? - Will we obey him and invite him into live in our daily lives? We must not let troubles and heartache lead us to pull away from God or doubt his nearness. Let's believe the promise that as we draw near to God, he will draw near to us (James 4:8, 10).