A Prayer to Thank God for His Ever Present Nearness - Your Daily Prayer - February 25
A Prayer to Thank God for His Ever Present Nearness
By: Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20
Read or Listen Below:
Sometimes I feel like no one gets me. Okay, a lot of times I feel that way—and probably because they really don’t. So I tend to remain with a sense of being alone. Isolated on an island that no one can see. And the truth on top of that is I also feel like I’m alone in that too. Alone in feeling alone. assuming that most others feel understood, noticed, and well-liked by many. But I'm beginning to wonder if I’m wrong. Actually, I’ve thought maybe I’m wrong for a while now, especially as I dig deeper into the hearts of others and give them a peek into mine.
I joined my first Bible study with a group of women who were in the midst of my same season after my first son was born almost 18 years ago. I met seeking souls who were looking for people with answers who could provide help, offer community, and relate to their wild world. It was one of the greatest blessings I never let go of. Though some of the crew have come, and gone, and even returned, spending time with people who have felt similar hurts and aren't weathering life well sometimes too has helped me know I’m not the only one. And I thank God for these connections.
Nonetheless, here and there, I still feel alone. Because the fact of the matter is, no one has ever walked my exact path, and no one has felt or will ever feel life exactly like I have. So they don’t and won’t totally get it. Nor do they have the capacity to fully fix and fill my pain and empty places, just like I have my own mess and am not always equipped to be enough for them either.
How about you? Do you feel alone a lot? Maybe you have people in your life who love you, but maybe you still feel like no one truly sees you and gets you. That’s me too.
Fortunately, my group of friends is through a Bible study, and our greater focus has been getting to know the goodness of God through the ins and outs of each other. And here's what I’ve learned about our mighty God (that, oh, boy, do I ever have to remember again and again): I am actually never alone. God is always, always with me. And he is always, always, always with you too. Not only is he with us. He sees, he hears, and he cares. Yes, he knows every single tiny detail. And he is wrapped in, around, and through the entirety of it all. Closer than you can imagine. I don’t know about you, but the gift of God’s constant presence is a gift that, when acknowledged, blesses me beyond measure.
If only we could truly grasp this truth. Because if we could, we wouldn't feel alone. Ever. We’d feel the embrace of his constant love, experience his peace that surpasses understanding, and live with an indescribable joy in the Lord. We all would.
And though we will never fully understand before we meet Jesus face-to-face, we can try. We can acknowledge him now and thank him now. And I think we should. Because I know you long to feel the blessings of his closeness in this very season, on this very day. We long to know he is near when we are afraid and need peace, when we are lost and need direction, when we are sad and need comfort, and when we are weak and need strength.
Friend, he is right here. With an abundance of these blessings. Will you acknowledge these truths with me right now? The Lord is our peace. He is our guiding light. He is our comforter, rock, and strength. And he is presenting all of these gifts through his presence with us at this very present moment. Nearer than ever. And always. Let’s praise him with gratitude and never lose sight of his constant, all-seeing, unconditionally loving, ever-present nearness.
Let’s Pray:
Loving Father, You are always with me. Closer than I can imagine. And I am so thankful. I tend to feel alone in this world. Surrounded by people who can’t possibly see or understand the depths of my thoughts and struggles. But you are in the very midst of it all. You don’t miss a split second of my moments or the smallest corners of my mind. And you love me more than I know. This is a gift I often take for granted. Though the people you place in my path are your blessings too, they will never fully fill or see me. But you absolutely do. I am in awe of your perfect presence. Help me to not forget how near you are and to pour out my praise for your almighty protection, your compassionate comfort, and your constant closeness and care. In your holy name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AaronAmat
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