trbccoffeebreak

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

As Christians, all we have to do is look around at the American culture—and the world—to think, “Yep, Jesus is coming back soon.” (Or, if you’re like me, that has become a more fervent prayer.) Although first-century believers thought Jesus’ return would be in their lifetime, we can say with perfect confidence that the time of His coming back is in fact nearer than it was then—at least by a couple millennia. And, despite the crazy “prophetic” predictions through the generations of actual dates, no one but God knows the day or time of Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:36). We must simply rest in the truth that, like His first coming as Servant-Messiah, the timing will be perfect. (Galatians 4:4; John 14:3).

In terms of His return for His Church (the rapture), and then His coming back thereafter as Judge and King, the Lord is near. In fact, Christ’s “near” return is consistently woven through the New Testament, from Matthew’s gospel to the last verse of Revelation. And we can take great comfort in this.

But there is another thread of encouraging truth throughout God’s Word using the same four words, but with a different meaning. Grammar geeks like me can think of it as a phrase-level homonym: The Lord is near. When we choose to put our trust in Jesus, surrendering everything to Him as our Lord and Savior, He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). The Holy Spirit—God Himself—lives in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16). And you can’t get much nearer than that!

When we are pressed by the weight of world and its insanity, the Lord is with us (Psalm 34:18). In our troubles, grief, and anxiety, He provides comfort (Matthew 5:4; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Revelation 21:4). When discouragement, despair, and hopelessness descend, we can allow the power of the Holy Spirit to overflow within us with the hope and peace of God, lifting the veil of darkness to reveal His glorious Truth (Romans 15:13). And when we the enemy’s hiss reaches our ear with the lie, “no one cares about you,” and desperate loneliness settles in like a wet blanket, remember that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5).

The Lord is near. When we trust in Him, we are never alone. We need not be afraid or anxious.

What about you? Have you laid down the heavy burdens of this world and accepted the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ? He will give you rest for your soul (Matthew 11:28-30). Instead of pushing Him away any longer, open your arms and bring Him near.

“Lord, thank You for never leaving me or forsaking me. Thank You for always being near.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life