Today’s Verse
“Yahweh (The Lord) is near to all those who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18 (WEB)
Draw Near
I know it’s not just me, but do you ever go through seasons when God feels distant? Not because He’s moved, theologically, I know He hasn’t. But experientially, emotionally, it feels like there’s space between us. I pray and it feels like words bouncing off the ceiling. I worship and it feels mechanical. I long for His presence and I just… don’t sense it.
And in those moments, what I need most is for Him to draw near. To close the gap. To make His presence tangible in a way I can actually feel, not just believe in.
David understood this. In Psalm 145, he wrote, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Near. Not distant. Not watching from afar. Near, close enough to touch, to sense, to experience.
God’s nearness isn’t something I conjure or manufacture. I can’t force it through the right worship song or the perfect prayer. But I can position myself for it. I can quiet the noise. I can create space. I can ask Him to draw near, and trust that He will.
There’s another verse I love in James 4:8 where he writes: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (WEB) It’s a promise. When I move toward Him, He moves toward me. When I ask Him to come close, He does.
But what about when I ask Him to draw near and I still don’t feel him close. I quiet myself. I create space. I position my heart. And… nothing. The sense of distance remains. Does that mean He didn’t keep His promise?
No. It means His nearness isn’t always something I feel. Sometimes faith means trusting He’s near even when I can’t sense it. Believing the promise when my emotions contradict it. Holding onto truth when experience doesn’t confirm it.
God’s nearness is a reality, not just a feeling. He is near to all who call on Him, whether I feel it or not. And sometimes, the deepest act of faith is continuing to call on Him in the silence, trusting He’s closer than He feels.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, draw near to me, come closer, make Your presence tangible, let me feel You here when everything in me is longing for Your nearness.
I need You close right now, not at a distance but near enough to feel, to sense, to know without question that You’re here with me in this moment.
Teach me that You promise to draw near to those who draw near to You, that closeness with You is always available, always offered, never withheld.
Draw near means move toward me, close the gap that feels so wide right now, meet me where I am with presence I can sense, not just believe in.
Help me position myself to experience Your nearness, to quiet the noise that drowns out Your presence, to create space where I can actually feel You close.
Remind me that You’re never the one who moved away, that if distance exists it’s because I’ve drifted, and You’re always ready to draw near when I ask.
Give me awareness of Your presence drawing near, sensitivity to notice when You come close, gratitude for the nearness I’m asking You to provide.
Let me experience Your nearness today, feeling You draw close, sensing Your presence, knowing beyond doubt that You’re here, near, with me right now.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Art print
If this devotional has spoken to you, the full 8 × 10″ art print is available to bring into your home. It’s printed on quality art paper, unframed and ready to place wherever you need a quiet reminder that God is near to you. You can find it in my shop, with free shipping included.