Listen

Let me hear what the Lord God says, because he speaks peace to his people and to his faithful ones. Don’t let them return to foolish ways. God’s salvation is very close to those who honor him so that his glory can live in our land.

Psalm 85:8-9

Think

What do you think of when you hear the promise that God’s salvation is close? What does that word “close” mean in this context?

I recently realized that I live very close to a popular fast food restaurant. It surprised me because I had hardly noticed it. Since I rarely eat there, those world class fries might as well be 1000 miles away.

As a matter of contrast, I have a lifelong friend that lives about 1000 miles away. When we were kids, our families spent the holidays together, and today, no matter the distance between us, we can just pick up our friendship where we last left off. There is a kinship between us that is affirming and comforting.

When we read about God’s salvation and peace being close, I think the psalmist means something more like closeness between friends than proximity to great fries. God’s peace is not just down the street, it can be in our hearts, our relationships, and our very lives. It is a closeness that abides, no matter our circumstances or location.

Chris Aho

Question to Ponder:

Do you feel near or far from God’s peace today? Is there something you can do to open yourself to the peace that you need?

Pray

Loving God, sometimes you feel near me.

Other times you feel far away.

Help me today to experience instances of your peace being close.

And give me the courage to bring that peace to someone else as they may need it.

Amen.

Go

Practice what you have received… and the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

adapted from Philippians 4:7, 9

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