Psalm 119:151 Yet you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.

God being near is never a matter of physical distance, because such distance is meaningless to an infinite God. However, we are all aware of what this verse is talking about, because psychological distance is very real indeed. When God seems distant, the first thing to do is ask why, and if any personal responsibility comes to mind, repent immediately. However, sometimes God seems to draw back from us for a period, to allow us to grow in trust so that we won’t be squalling babies, always wanting to be the center of attention. Once we have a level of maturity, we discover that God is near indeed. That can and should be a powerful motivator to discipleship. When we walk in submitted obedience to Him, then fellowship with Him is our privilege and joy. However, that also requires trusting Him, and that is often a snare. If we don’t fully trust that He is going to follow through with everything in His Word, then we won’t have the fellowship, the sense of nearness, that is so comforting and joyful. The fact of the matter is, trust is an essential. As Hebrews 11 points out, those who trust God don’t always see in this life everything they are trusting God for. That’s where push comes to shove, and we have to decide whether we are really committed. When the commitment is there, then the journey is worth it, and the eternal rewards are incalculable.

This is an issue for every believer, and I’m certainly no exception. I feel that I have made some progress, particularly recently, but I still have a long way to go. Intimacy with God has long been a major goal of mine, at least in my thinking, but you might not know it from how I have lived! I need to keep growing in awareness of His presence, not allowing things to distract me from Him so badly. That’s not to say that I’m to be doing religious things 24/7, but it is to say that my heart is to be open to God 24/7. Psychological/spiritual distance from God is entirely a matter of my attitude and obedience. I’ve got to remember that, and strive to keep God as my top priority at all times.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Often it’s the little irritations that distract me from You the worst. Help me trust those to You as well, giving the devil no foothold. The fax from the prefectural office yesterday is a case in point. Bureaucracy is often irritating! Keep me from letting things like that cause me to deny Your sovereignty, even for a moment. Help me trust You enough to rest, relax, and rejoice at all times, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!