We desperately need to move as close to God as we can get… to be smothered by his presence!

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8 ESV

Today I need a close God!

I need to feel Him bump into me. I need his breath on my shoulder. I want the God that I can’t escape from. I don’t want an accidental encounter but a second-by-second contact. I need Him to be so close that I actually feel He’s inside me.

I desperately need an awareness of his presence and the security that brings. “I am always aware of the Lord’s presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me.” Psalm 16:8 GNT

In this time of confusing fear that makes all of life sour, tasteless and relentlessly dreary, I need the joy of living that only his presence can give. “But I’m in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is! I’ve made Lord God my home.” Psalm 73:28 MSG 

The desolate scenery around me breaks my heart and tears a hole in my spirit. As hard as it is to keep a proper perspective… a hopeful attitude and a smile on my face, my heart must do its part to get me through this turmoil.  “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV 

With thugs roaming at will, decisions made that don’t even try to take God into account, and with the growing tension of moving through life outnumbered by people whose views mock my relationship with my Father, I don’t want revenge.

My goal isn’t to pick a fight. I just want right and wrong separated – not a muddled conglomeration of grey. I don’t want to see confusing price tags on anything. What are we to do when an eagle’s egg is better protected than an unborn baby being formed under God’s tender and loving care? “He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to fight against me now? Where are my enemies? Let them appear!” Isaiah 50:8 TLB 

My goal is to get us hungry for the presence of God. That’s what we need to experience. If we are to live positively and purely in a time of delusion and depravity, we must “…go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.” Hebrews 10:22 NLT 

“…you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11 NIV