God Is Near

We thank you, O God!

We give thanks because you are near.

People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

God says, “At the time I have planned,

I will bring justice against the wicked.

When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,

I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. . . . ”

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;

I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,

but I will increase the power of the godly.”

Psalm 75:1-3, 9-10

God is near. At times, he performs wonderful deeds to remind us just how close he is. But there are many times when his power and justice are not readily apparent to us. This prayer addressed this situation head-on. When we find ourselves questioning whether God notices us and our plight, we should first remember to thank and praise God for his power. We should also remind ourselves of God’s nearness and of the ways we see his power at work in our world. God has promised to bring justice to this earth in his own timing. As we wait for God to act, our proper posture should be praise.

In whatever situation you find yourself today, acknowledge one good thing God has done for you this past year. Genuinely thank him for it, and praise him for being near.

• O God, thank you for being near . . .