Which other scriptures emphasize God's nearness to those who seek Him? Opening the Promise of Psalm 145:18 “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call Him in truth.” This verse sets the tone: God does not hide from honest seekers. Rather, He draws close. Scripture repeats this pledge again and again. Threads of Nearness in the Law • Deuteronomy 4:7 – “For what nation is so great as to have a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him?” God’s covenant people learned early that He is never out of reach. • Exodus 33:14 – “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Nearness is not a vague idea; it is God’s personal presence accompanying His people. Echoes in the Historical Books • 2 Chronicles 15:2 – “The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” During King Asa’s reforms, the prophet Azariah reminded Israel that God’s nearness hinges on earnest seeking. • 1 Samuel 14:36b – “Do whatever seems good to you,” the priest answered. “Let us draw near to God here.” Even in the heat of battle, Israel paused to seek God, trusting He would draw near. Songs and Wisdom Witnesses • Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the crushed in spirit.” • Psalm 73:28 – “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge.” • Proverbs 8:17 – “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.” Wisdom personified echoes the promise: diligent seekers experience closeness. Prophetic Assurances • Isaiah 55:6 – “Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” • Jeremiah 29:12-13 – “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Even to exiles, God assured His nearness would be rediscovered through wholehearted pursuit. Christ’s Invitation in the Gospels • Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you… everyone who seeks finds.” • Matthew 28:20b – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus personifies God’s nearness, promising an unbroken presence to His disciples. The Apostolic Witness • Acts 17:27 – “God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” • Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy.” • Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” • James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” The early church lived out the reality that God’s throne is approachable and His presence tangible. Walking It Out Today – God’s nearness is not limited to geography or era; it’s promised to “all who call on Him in truth.” – Sincere seekers—whether brokenhearted, exiled, battling, or rejoicing—discover the same closeness celebrated by psalmists, prophets, apostles, and our Lord Himself. – Every passage above invites a simple response: call, seek, draw near. God’s answer remains unchanged—He is near. |
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