The Lord Is Near

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him. // Psalm 145:18

While walking in mindless laps up and down my driveway, I noticed that the dreary weather was an outward reflection of my heart. It was barely the third week of Lent, and it was already the most “Lenty” Lent I had yet experienced. My heart suffered as I experienced family frustrations, awful weather conditions which left a literal trail of obstacles, and a loved one taking on the painful cross of mental health issues.

No matter how much effort I put into prayer, it seemed like nothing was working. I wrestled back and forth with God throughout these sufferings: Are my prayers not good enough for You? Do you not see what’s happening? Do you even care, God? 

My emotional state had put a huge wedge in my relationship with the Lord. He seemed to be missing.

In today’s Responsorial Psalm, we read, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him” (Psalm 145:18). 

My prayers weren’t answered right away, but throughout the weeks, I began to see glimpses of the Resurrection through everyday goodness. Through each bit of goodness, He began to reveal to my heart that He does listen and is near. 

Friend, can I encourage you to pause throughout the day and notice how the Lord is active in your life? What bits of goodness is He using to speak to your heart? It can be as simple as pretty flowers on the side of the road. A new song to sing along to. A compliment from a stranger. 

Sister, I know how painful the waiting period can be. Even now, more than five months after Lent, I can still find myself asking the same questions. 

The Lord desires to reveal His love to you through the big and the ordinary. He is near, and more attentive to our hearts than we can imagine.

Heavenly Father, we love You and we praise You. Lord, help us to know that You listen. Help us to be attentive to the ways that You’re revealing Your love to us right now. Amen.