He Is Close

“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.”
Nahum 1:7 (NLT)

Where do you go when you need a refuge?

I've known people who have a special place set aside for prayer: a familiar chair, a quiet room, or a spot in nature where they can meet with God. Others find solace in taking a drive and sitting alone for a while, free from distractions and noise.

But when trouble comes and I need a place of refuge, it's not really about a location for me. It's about a presence.

God doesn't offer us a physical fortress built of stone, steel, or concrete. He Himself is the fortress. He is our refuge. It is in Him that we find protection, strength, and peace. It is in His presence that we discover security, even when everything around us feels uncertain.

One of the most comforting promises in this verse is that God is close to those who trust Him. Notice that Nahum doesn't simply say God protects them. He says God is close to them.

As I write today, I'm mindful of friends walking through difficult circumstances. One is awaiting results from a cancer scan. One is at the point of placing a much-loved spouse in a memory care unit because they can no longer physically and emotionally keep up with 24/7 caregiving. Every day brings the possibility of difficult news. Emotions run high, uncertainty lingers, and fear often feels far too close.

Yet in moments like these, God's presence is closer still.

So today, press in close to Jesus. Talk to Him honestly about your fears and concerns. Take time to be still and listen to His gentle voice speaking peace to your soul. Run to Him. Rest in Him.

The refuge you're looking for is not a place. It's a person.

And He is closer than you think.

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