The first time was shortly after I dedicated my life to Him. I was in labor with one of the kids. I was struggling tremendously. This child was, apparently, quite comfortable in my womb and not ready to make the journey out into the world. The baby's comfort was giving me extreme discomfort and was completely tapping me of my strength and endurance. I was "this close to an emergency c-section," claimed my mom later. I was sent to the whirlpool to try to find some possible relief from the pain, to comfort and perhaps relax me a bit as well. While praying and meditating there, I saw Jesus' deep brown eyes looking directly into mine. It was amazing. He felt so incredibly near.
My second encounter was moments after I found out that my 11 year old nephew was taken from this life by an ATV accident. I was pretty much hysterical. After getting off the phone with my brother, I went outside and looked up to heaven. I said, "God, how are we going to do this?" In my mind came the most clear answer, almost as if I actually heard audible words, "Merrie, don't worry, I know what I'm doing." A sense of peace came over me that I can't explain. His presence was very real, very near.
Then there was the more recent time this winter, when I rolled my husband's car (see Trust - The Heart of the Matter, Feb. 5, 2013). It was as if Jesus were right there with me the whole time. Near.
What does near mean?
near 1. close; to a point or place not far away: Come near so I won't have to shout. 2. at, within, or to a short distance. 3. close in time: The New Year draws near. 4. close in relation; closely with respect to connection, similarity, intimacy, etc. (often used in combination): a near-standing position.
In this next verse of thanks, I'd like to highlight a few words; thanks, Name, and near.
"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds." Psalm 75:1
In this verse, as with many of the others we have already looked at (especially in the Psalms), the thanks being referred to is thanksgiving in the form of praise. This song was written out for reassurance when arrogant worldly powers threaten Israel's security. When, because of the upsurge of evil powers, the whole moral order of the world seems to have crumbled, God still guarantees its stability. Thanksgiving and praise were sung in worship to God, our protector and sovereign judge.
Name is capitalized in this verse. The NIV (New International Version of the Bible) capitalizes "Name" when it stands for God's presence at the sanctuary. God was present. God was near.
As I dug into the word "near," the Lord began to reveal His true message to me for this post. There were two main points that God showed me. First, that He is with them or near them (Israel, in context) - with me or us in application to our lives today. Near means ever-present.
"God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1
Secondly, that God's time is near, or Jesus' second coming is near. Referring to time in this case. That is hard for us limited, finite humans to understand. We feel like we have forever before the end of the world comes. Before we are united with Jesus in the realms of glory and re-united with our loved ones of faith that preceded us in death. But, do we really have "forever?" We are not promised tomorrow... "the day of the Lord will come like a thief." In this meaning of "near," what is near? From God's vantage point, a thousand years are as a day. God does not view time as humans do. He stands above time, with the result that when time is seen in the light of eternity, an age appears no longer than one short day, and a day seems no shorter than a long age. Since time is purely relative with God, he waits patiently while human beings stew with impatience.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9
So, what is near? I think the lesson that the Lord taught me here is that not only is He close to me all the time, but He is coming to claim His kingdom and conquer death for good sooner than we think. I'm not making a prediction of any sort here. What I'm learning and trying to share is that we need to be prepared. We need to work every day at our relationship with Him and share why we want that blessed relationship with Jesus with those around us.
"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Luke 12:40
On the way into church today I heard a fairly new release of a song that struck a chord in my spirit. I wrote the words below that got me to thinking (the link is also below, if you'd like to hear it too):
Here are some of the words from a new single just released on April 1, 2013 by Mikeschair called
"All I Can Do (Thank You)"
All I can do is thank you
for this life I never deserved
Wanna thank you for the grace
I know I don't have to earn
You love me, you love me,
your mercy is proof
All I can do is say thank you
The Lord is near! The Lord is near! Thank you, Jesus, all I can do is say thank you. In my encounters of nearness with Jesus, the truths from the following verse became very intimate, very honest, very real, very near and dear to my heart and to my life. I have felt, experienced and applied these things and you can to, through Christ Jesus, your Savior.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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