Which other Bible verses emphasize God's presence in times of distress? God Is Near: Anchored in Lamentations 3:57 “You drew near on the day I called to You, and You said, ‘Do not be afraid.’” (Lamentations 3:57) The verse captures three unshakable realities: • God actively “drew near.” • He hears when we call. • His first word in crisis is “Do not be afraid.” Echoes in the Psalms • Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” • Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” • Psalm 139:7-10 – No distance can hide us: “Your right hand will hold me.” Promises Through the Prophets • Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched.” • Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Joshua 1:9 – “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Presence in Christ’s Words • Matthew 28:20 – “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” New-Testament Assurance • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – God “comforts us in all our troubles.” • Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” • Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Living the Truth Today • Call on Him—expect Him to draw near just as literally as He did for Jeremiah. • Replace fear with His spoken “Do not be afraid.” • Memorize one verse above; let it surface whenever distress whispers otherwise. |
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