In the Word: God is Near

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be looking at different characteristics of God—specifically reflecting on how each aspect of His character offers us hope in the midst of our grief.  As we study together, we encourage you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you dig into the infinitely beautiful character of God along with us! 

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18

READ:

The entire narrative of the Bible is filled with astonishing accounts of what God has done in order to draw His people near to Him. But the climax was reached when He sent His Son to suffer and die so that all who choose to believe in Christ could experience His eternal nearness. Through Christ’s death on the cross, we have gained complete and free access to the very throne of God, and the only reality—this is, His presence—that can completely satisfy our weary souls.

Although, as God’s children, there is nowhere we could ever go to escape His presence (Psalm 139:7-10), Scripture reveals that He makes His presence more clearly felt and experienced at certain times in our lives. One truth that is repeated all throughout the Bible is that God is particularly near to the brokenhearted.

Your tears do not go unnoticed by Him. Your sorrow is not unknown to Him. In these moments of devastation and despair, God will make His faithful presence more fully known to you as you choose in return to draw near to Him. So when it seems like no one around you can relate to the suffering you have endured, rest in the nearness of God. Seek His presence, for there you will find fullness of joy, security, and hope.

REFLECT:

1. When have you experienced God’s presence in a meaningful way?
2. How has His nearness comforted you in your grief?

JOURNAL:

Our grief will either drive us to pursue or reject God’s presence in our lives. Take some time to examine your heart. Write a prayer to God asking Him to make His nearness more fully known to you. What steps do you need to take in order to seek God’s presence in the midst of your sorrow?

Ashlee is the Editorial Coordinator for Hope Mommies. She and her husband, Jesse, have four children on earth and two little ones in Heaven. You can get to know her more by reading her blog, Beyond Undone.

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