This week I had this undeniable sense, through the busyness and through the struggle, that Jesus is near. Not sure if it is just the hard week I had, or the overwhelming build in the semester, but I’ve been relying on the Lord’s presence as a solace and as a peace in the chaos.
Every believer would tell you that it is best to read your Bible every day. I agree with that statement 100% and strive to read my Bible every day. But I have also grown to rely on the Lord’s presence as another way in which we can grow in Christ. Maybe it’s the worship leader in me, or just my stage of faith right now, but knowing that Jesus is so accessible through the Holy Spirit and so present in our condition is a crucial step to growing in the Christian life.
It may seem simple but take courage in this:
When we fail, Jesus is near.
When we resist temptation, Jesus is near.
When we feel inadequate or not enough, Jesus is near.
When we feel like the world is ending because of our horrible choices for the presidency, Jesus is near.
When we are disappointed, Jesus is near.
When we struggle and feel overwhelmed with life, Jesus is near.
When we grieve and cry out to God, Jesus is near.
When we feel like the wait has been long enough and time is up, Jesus is near.
When we feel like our addictions have a hold on us, Jesus is near.
When we feel like the answers to our questions are never going to come, Jesus is near.
When we feel like life is unfair and we want to see justice come, Jesus is near.
When we feel enslaved and stuck in our sinful patterns, Jesus is near.
When we feel the weight of our depression take over, Jesus is near.
When we’ve made a mistake that cannot be undone or taken back, Jesus is near.
The veil has been torn! Nothing can keep us from the presence of Jesus. Maybe just for myself, maybe for someone out there like me that just needed to be reminded this week that no problem, no failure, and no obstacle is too big for Jesus. He is right there ready to be invited in and willing to transform you to His heart.
He is still on His throne and nothing and no one is going to change that. I haven’t been as consistent as I would like to be with my time in the Word of God, but I have found that God is faithfully showing Himself to me. He is faithful to walk each step of the way with me. And even when I turn away from Him, the moment I turn back, He is ready to listen, ready to forgive, and ready to provide freedom through His Holy Spirit.
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness and love.
O Soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
