The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18
There is a reason why many young children run straight to their dads when they are scared, whether because of a thunderstorm or a nightmare. Children run straight to their dads when they are afraid because they find deep comfort in being in the presence of their fathers, knowing that their dads, who love them, will always take care of and protect them. This week in our Bible study, we are talking about the truth God relates to each one of us as our Heavenly Father. The truth that God is our perfect Heavenly Father not only means that we are loved, as we discussed in our Bible study yesterday, but also indicates proximity. As our perfect Heavenly Father, God is not distant from us. Instead, He is close to His people.
The apostle Paul explains this truth that God is close to His people in Romans 8. As He wrote in this passage of Scripture about the lives that we have in the Spirit after placing our faith in Christ, he explained that our roles in Christ are those of children of God. He explained, “You received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children” (verse 15). Do not miss the remarkable truth that God chose us as His children when we placed our faith in Him and that He relates to us as a Heavenly Father. Now, some of us have had the blessing of having wonderful fathers here on earth, and our fathers pointed us straight to our perfect Heavenly Father. I know that, heartbreakingly, others reading this have not had that same experience of having a good father on earth. Maybe your father was aloof and absent during the important moments in your life. I am here to tell you today that that is not the case with God, your Heavenly Father. Your Heavenly Father is the perfect Father. He is not aloof or far from you. Instead, He is a present God who is right here with you today and will continue to walk closely with you every step you take. That’s why Paul added to this teaching, telling readers that if we have placed our faith in Christ, we can call God, “Abba, Father” (verse 15). This term, “Abba,” is an intimate and personal name for a father. It indicates the closeness that a good father has with his child. As our “Abba, Father,” God desires a close, personal relationship with each one of us.
David wrote about God's nearness to His people in Psalm 145. This Psalm from David is full of praise toward God. David begins this Psalm by saying, “I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever” (verse 1). He was true to his words, praising and exalting God’s name throughout the rest of the Psalm. As the Psalm came to a close, David praised God for His nearness to His people, saying, “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth” (verse 18). Indeed, God is near, not far, from all who call on Him and follow Him as His children. As a result, we ought to follow David’s example of praising Him!
My friend, your God and Heavenly Father is not far from you, watching you live your life from afar. Instead, He walks closely with you every step of the way. May you hold on to the remarkable truth that your Heavenly Father is walking right with you as you seek to walk this life and honor Him in all that you say and do. After all, He is worthy of all the praise you can bring Him!
As you go through your day, focus on the truth that God is not a distant God but is close to His people. Recognize how God is present and working in the big and small ways in your life today. At the end of the day, thank Him for how He was near every second of your day.
“God, You are not a far off, distant God. Instead, you are near to all of Your children. I thank You for…”
Psalm 145:1-21
1 I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.
4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. 6 Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. 7 Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.
8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. 10 All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. 12 They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. 13 For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations.
The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. 14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. 15 The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. 16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. 18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. 20 The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked.
21 I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever.
©2026 Sagebrush Church
