14 November Deuteronomy 4

God is near us

Deuteronomy 4:7 (AMP)” For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God [is to us] whenever we call on Him?”. The Good News Bible says, “No other nation, no matter how great, has a god who is so near when they need him as the LORD our God is to us. He answers us whenever we call for help”.

Being “near” means that God is present to answer our prayers, direct us, protect us, and provide for us. We can also have our prayers answered if we confess our sins and live righteously. James 5:16 (AMP) “Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]”.

When we sin purposefully, our prayers may be “hindered.”

1 Peter 3:7 (AMP) “In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honour and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective”. Confirmed by the Psalmist in Psalm 66:18 (AMP) “If I regard sin and baseness in my heart [that is, if I know it is there and do nothing about it], The Lord will not hear [me]”.

Sin cannot be in God’s presence. We are blessed today because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP) “Do you not know and understand that you [the church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]?”. Also confirmed in 2 Timothy 1:14 (AMP) “Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us”.

In conclusion, the nearness of God is not just a distant concept; it is a powerful and comforting reality for those who call on Him. No other nation has a god so close, available to answer whenever His people call for help. This divine nearness offers guidance, protection, provision, and answers to our prayers. Still, it also requires us to live righteously and confess our sins. Sin can disrupt our fellowship with God and hinder our prayers. Yet, we can restore our relationship with Him through repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We are called to guard this precious truth, as the Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives that reflect God's presence. Let us walk in His nearness with reverence, knowing that He hears us and answers when we seek Him in faith and humility.