near

With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD. I will keep your statutes. I cry to you; save me, that I may observe your decrees. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I put my hope in your words. My eyes are awake before each watch of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. In your steadfast love hear my voice; O LORD, in your justice preserve my life. Those who persecute me with evil purpose draw near; they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true. Long ago I learned from your decrees that you have established them forever. Look on my misery and rescue me, for I do not forget your law. Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes. Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your justice. Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, yet I do not swerve from your decrees. I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands. Consider how I love your precepts; preserve my life according to your steadfast love. The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever. (Psalm 119:145-160, NRSV)

I cry out to God in my isolation and wonder where He is…

Have you ever felt like God had abandoned you?

You know that Mother Teresa spoke about the dark night of the soul, where she felt like God was not near her!

The woman who has led and continues to lead many into service of God, and did many wonderful things to advance His mission felt like God had abandoned her…

We can feel that way, like we are all alone, but the psalmist tells us the promise of God is He is near. And all of His promises are true! No matter how far we think He is from us, really all we need to do is turn around and there He will be, right by our side, all the time. We are never alone, for He will preserve our lives according to His steadfast love and He will be near us always!