Closer Than You Think
In one unsuspecting moment, everything can change.
A relationship can shatter, a dream can suddenly end. Your heart can break for a million different reasons: grief, rejection, loneliness, uncertainty, tragedy, betrayal.
When something terrible happens and the world makes zero sense…
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18 NLT
David, the writer of Psalm 34, preached from the trenches. He experienced some intense highs and fierce lows, but he recognized God’s presence in the midst of his circumstances. He knew that God was near—no matter what was happening around him.
Is your heart broken? Is your spirit crushed?
God is near.
He hasn’t left you to fight for yourself.
He sees you in your heartbreak.
He meets you where you are.
He has not forgotten you.
He has not abandoned you.
This doesn’t mean you won’t face hard things. But even when your mind races and your heart doubts, God offers a peace and an intimacy that cannot be fully explained.
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we now have constant access to God’s presence through His Holy Spirit. There are many places in the Bible where the Holy Spirit is described as the Comforter—ready to soothe, guide, counsel, and encourage.
The comfort we receive from God is a gift from His Spirit who is always with us. So if your heart is breaking and your spirit is crushed, know that you are in good hands...
God is closer than you think.
Trials and hardships are a part of life, but God has the final say. So right now, take a few moments to name anything that has crushed your spirit. Then, give yourself permission to just sit in God’s presence.
When you’re ready, consider memorizing today’s verse, meditating on it throughout your day, and sharing it with someone who needs it.
Rejoice in Every Season
It’s difficult to be joyful in every season—but especially within seasons of change, difficulty, or loss. Paul, the author of the letter to the Philippians, could probably relate. While writing his letter to the Philippians, Paul was sitting in a jail cell under Roman guard (Acts 28).
Even though Paul was in a difficult situation in life, he still wrote to the church in Philippi and encouraged them to always rejoice. He also said that they should pray to God rather than worrying or being anxious about situations (4:6). They should request what they need from God with thanksgiving.
Paul’s teaching is this: regardless of our circumstances, there is always a reason to praise God.
If we learn to rejoice in every season, and submit to God in prayer rather than becoming anxious, then God’s peace will be with us in our heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).
God has given us everything we could hope for. As we believe in Jesus, we receive the forgiveness of our past ...