“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in trust.” (Psalms 145:18 NIV)

           According to the Bible we are to call upon the Lord at all times, especially in times of trouble, distress, or need.  Calling upon the Lord is the way of the believer, to rely upon God for help and protection through out our days.  

           Calling upon the Lord is a vital, accessible, and continuous practice through prayer.  As we pray, we receive mercy, grace, strength, courage, hope, forgiveness, wisdom, help, and understanding.  It is a sign of a personal relationship and dependence on our Lord.  

           But sometimes we do not feel God.  We feel all alone.  When this occurs, it does not mean absence; rather, it is frequently a time to be still and know that God is still present.  He is working behind the scenes, even when we do not feel He is there.

            This scripture reminds us that nearness is a fact, not a feeling.  The verse does not say God is near to those who “feel” Him, it says He is near to those who call on Him.  His presence is tied to His character and promise, not our sensory experience.  

           We must remember, even if the room feels empty, the “truth” is that God is right there because you called upon Him.  So be still, wait, trust and understand God is there.  What a wonderful verse, to remind us God is there because we called upon Him—it has nothing to do with “God is near to those who feel Him.”  God Bless.  Amen.

denise