Near!

Near!

The Lord is near to the heartbroken And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin).

Psalms 34:18 AMP

The Context and Focus:

We read the words of David, a man God Himself called 'a man after His heart'. David had his issues, just like all mortal men do, but he also did his best to know and follow God with all his heart. Yes, he didn't always get his actions and decisions right, but God, who sees the heart of man, and understands all the secret things of the heart, knew the heart of David, and dealt with him accordingly. As it was in the days of David, so is it in our own days too. It is still the same God, who works in the lives of all who submit to Him. It is still the same God, who seeks to show Himself strong in the behalf of all who are humble in heart. Just as He dealt with the mortal man David, so does He deal with us today. He knows we are weak of ourselves, so He supplies grace in abundant measure, so we can walk with and work for Him in line with His will and purpose. 

The Message:

There came a time when David's activities led him into the camp of the enemy. He was being pursued by one enemy, but he got into trouble with another enemy. He could have been killed, but God gave him wisdom to take a funny decision: he pretended to be mad, so the enemy would leave him alone. Of course, it worked, because God was involved. Too many times, our human schemes get in the way of what God wants to do. We think we have it all figured out, and then we take steps that dig us deeper into the pit of despair and destruction. If we would only look to the One who made and formed us, and also planted us right where we are now, we should be confident that nothing can happen to us without his permission. When God leads, it will not matter what the world's view is, or whether the directive makes sense. Obedience to God's directive opens the way to even greater blessings. It is a heart that is totally surrendered and submissive to God's will that can embrace God's instructions, even when they hurt. What is the state of your heart?

The Conclusion:

God is near to those whose heats are drawn to Him. It is a sign of humility and surrender. When the pressure of life comes, and there is a temptation to give in or give up, I remember the past and present: all of God's gracious dealings with me, and my heart rejoices. There are times when the uncertain future threatens to cause my heart to fret, but then I recall God's faithfulness of the past, and my heart is strengthened. No matter how hard the road is, God is just a word of prayer away.  In fact, we read the instruction in the bible that we should 'pray without ceasing'. Of course, how would you continously pray if you are not sure that the One you are praying to heart clearly, and will deal accordingly. Even if it is obvious sin that has come into the camp, what God seeks is a heart that is truly sorry and repentant. His gift of salvation is for such people, and He will never turn them away. No matter what my present reality is, God waits for me. He is more than sufficient to address whatever is wrong, and He can set me on the right path, so I can end right.God's time of favour is here.