He Is So CLOSE To YOU

When God feels far away, is that really true? What if you discovered that He is closer than you can imagine?

"Aha" Moment

Many months ago, after being up all night with the baby, I felt exhausted and it was as if God was very "far away." Have you ever felt that way?

While going through the motions praying and reading the Bible, my soul craved experiencing His love in a real way and to no longer feel empty.

My eyes stopped on Matthew 10:30, "All of the number of your hairs are numbered."

Then, all of the sudden, I saw an unexpected picture in my mind.

I'm an artist and I learn visually. He has spoken to me through pictures so many times before.

God speaks in so many ways. A song on the radio that matched the words you just prayed. Your pastor speaking on a verse you just read that week that was life-changing. A friend texted or called you with encouragement just when you needed it. A bird flies near or lands close to you, a vivid-colored, breathtaking flower, or a glowing sunset that left you in awe.

God speaks in all of those things, and a thousand more ways. He speaks through worship songs, His Word, a podcast sermon, an encouraging Facebook post, while you're in the shower, in someone's testimony, and a big bear hug from a friend you haven't seen in ages.

The Picture

Here is what I saw...

...I saw a dad brushing his daughter's hair. Only... the little girl was me. And it wasn't my dad, it was God. He is our Abba, our heavenly Father. Then... I heard a soft, warm whisper in my heart....I heard Him say:

"Julia... Daughter, How do you think I numbered ALL the hairs on your head? Well....It's because I've spent time brushing them."

Oh, my Jesus.

My Abba.

I've forgotten how CLOSE you are!

Then... like a flood rushing in... He reminded me of all the "close" scriptures...

• "You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.." - Psalm 56:8 (Now that is close... He is close enough to catch your tears as they fall!)

• "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." - Prov. 18:24

• "In Him I live and move and have my being. For I am His offspring." -Acts 17:28

• "But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, and He who formed you, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." -Isaiah 43:1

• "So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!" - Romans 8:31

Even Closer Than a Mother

When I was a teenager, during my parents divorce, I was very close to my mom, and I struggled with being codependent with her, which was also influenced by a lack of closeness with my Dad. As I grew into adulthood, I began to discover God as a loving "Daddy," who is very close, very affectionate, "whose thoughts toward me outnumber all the grains of sand," (Ps. 139) and who is always with me and will never, ever leave me.

Plus, He sent the Holy Spirit to live inside me who is the Helper, Teacher, Best Friend, and Advocate.

One day, I was praying to be closer to Him than my own mom, who I had set up boundaries with in order to break codependency that was a barrier between me and God. I was mourning the loss of closeness with my mom, but was following the Holy Spirit's lead to set up boundaries and "Come Away With Him," on a much needed "getaway" (spiritually) in order to know Him better, to hear from Him and build our friendship.

As a knelt down, missing my mom, and asking Him to show me how He could possibly be even more close to me than the woman that carried me in her womb.

His words stunned me.

Through tears, He spoke quietly to my spirit...

"Julia... your mother carried you, yes. But I was the ONE who knit you together. I was the One who planned you, designed you, and created you. I take great delight in what I create. Like an oil painting, I picked your eye and hair color, your smile, and I put every gift, talent and trait inside of your DNA. I drew your unique fingerprints. You may resemble your mom, but you are made in My image, and I breathed LIFE into your lungs when you took your first breath!"

Wow. My Jesus. My Abba. You. Are. SO. Close. I'm sorry I didn't realize it before! You are closer than even a mother!

"For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

[fearfully] definition: exceedingly, exceptionally, remarkably, uncommonly, extraordinarily, incredibly, immensely, thoroughly!
[wonderfully] definition: in a way that inspires delight or admiration; extremely well! 

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;

When I awake, I am still with You."

- Psalm 139:13-18

"He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering his lambs with his arm, carrying them against his chest, gently leading the mother sheep.”

-Isaiah 40:11

So today, take some time to ask Him to reveal Himself to you as your Abba Daddy, ask Him to show you exactly HOW CLOSE He really is to you right now! He will show you! And knowing this is absolutely life-changing.

#intimacy #relationship #God #Abba