“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 ESV

I’ve been admiring spring blooms, just like those pictured above. It’s cool how these blooms occur in nature, without needing to be tended to or controlled by humanity. These trees and bushes bloom year after year, giving me beauty to observe as I run along backroads.

And as I’ve been admiring these blooms along roads and in other people’s yards, I’ve appreciated the beauty and thought how nice it would be to see such blooms outside my window.

Like these lovely flowers, pictured below.

And here’s the same tree from a different angle.

And the same tree from yet another angle.

And that’s my car parked beneath the tree.

Because yes, I park under this lovely flowering tree EVERY DAY.

I didn’t look up. Each time I walk to or from my car, my mind is focused on reaching my destination or getting inside the house to accomplish my next task.

But the beauty I’ve been admiring in other places is, in fact, near to me.

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In Psalms we read that God is near:

• “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1 ESV
• “But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” Psalm 119:151 ESV
• “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 ESV
• “Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land.” Psalm 85:9 ESV
• “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 ESV
• “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28 ESV

So that’s my goal this week – to remember that God is already near and to find strength and restoration in his nearness.

What will you do to intentionally draw near to God? In what ways do you see God being near to you already?

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 ESV