If You Need Anything, I Won’t Be Far Away
AM Psalm 97, 99, [100] • PM Psalm 94, [95]
1 Macc. 3:25-41 • Rev. 21:1-8 • Matt. 17:14-21
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
(Psalm 100 KJV).
“...Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.”
(Psalm 97:2, NASB)
“Behold, God’s dwelling is with mankind; he will dwell with them...”
(Rev 21:3, NASB)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will no longer be death. Neither will there be any mourning or crying or pain, for the old order has passed away.”
(Rev 21:4)
If there was one thing from the scriptures that you wish you could always remember, what would it be? What does it mean to you? Are there times where you already find it spontaneously coming to mind? In the verses today I hear familiar words. A lot of times these words find their way into my head. He will be their God, God-with-them. These words have power to me. They remind me that God is not far away.
I reminded of one of the closing scenes from one of my favorite films. Forrest Gump comes to the graveside of his late wife Jenny to deliver a letter from their son, “He wrote you a letter, he says I can’t read it…so I’ll just leave it here for you.” Forrest deeply misses the love of his life. He speaks to her like she is present because well, maybe she really is. Forrest wonders aloud whether his mother or his friend Lt. Dan is right when it comes to how life works. Are we made for destiny or is our life left to chance? “Maybe both is happening at the same time” Forrest says in his signature voice. He tells her he loves her and that if she needs anything, he won’t be far away. As he departs, a flock of birds fly into the tree above her grave, a witness to her presence.
Just like Forrest, God isn’t far away. He tells us so again and again in ways too many to list. He shows up in daily scripture readings, in phone calls, and texts. God shows himself in comedic dramas and silent prayers. When God shows himself, It’s something to rejoice about. It’s worth letting it rip. Rejoice. Sing. Shout! Relish it and let it wash over you like a hot shower.
Written by Jonathan Wright
Jonathan is a native of Atlanta, GA and came St. Paul’s from the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark in Salt Lake City, UT. He enjoys a good laugh, spending time with his dog Polly, and reading people’s reflections on the scriptures every morning.