What does "You drew near" reveal about God's response to our prayers? Setting the Scene Lamentations 3:57: “You drew near on the day I called on You; You said, ‘Do not be afraid.’” Jeremiah, crushed by national ruin, prays. God’s answer is not delayed. The prophet records a single, stunning fact: “You drew near.” Key Phrase: “You drew near” • Hebrew qārab—“to come close, approach, step right up.” • Not figurative only; Jeremiah treats God’s nearness as an objective, literal event. • The wording stresses God’s initiative: Jeremiah called, but God closed the gap. What God’s Nearness Reveals About His Response • Immediate attention – God does not delegate crises; He comes Himself. – Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on Him.” • Personal intimacy – Prayer isn’t a transaction; it’s a meeting. – Isaiah 57:15 speaks of the High and Lofty One also dwelling “with the contrite and humble in spirit.” • Reassuring presence – First words: “Do not be afraid.” The answer to fear is always God’s proximity. – Joshua 1:9, Matthew 14:27 echo the same comfort. • Covenant faithfulness – God’s nearness fulfills His own promise to be with His people (Exodus 33:14). – He proves dependable even when circumstances scream otherwise. • Active deliverance – Nearness implies action. In verse 58, Jeremiah adds, “You defend my cause.” – Psalm 34:18–19 shows the Lord saving the crushed in spirit. Supporting Scriptures • James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” • Psalm 73:28: “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.” • Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…”—an open invitation made possible because God first approached us. Practical Takeaways • Call on Him with confidence; He literally moves toward His praying child. • Expect His presence before you expect His provisions; nearness is the primary gift. • Let His “Do not be afraid” quiet anxious thoughts; fear and divine proximity cannot coexist. • Remember His past nearness to fuel present faith; yesterday’s deliverance guarantees today’s access. “You drew near”—three words that forever settle how God responds to the earnest cry of His people: personally, quickly, and lovingly. |
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