Hope That God Is Nearby (Emmanuel: A Call to Hope, pt. 4)
This week, as we considered the final Advent theme, love, we considered how the closeness of God is an indication of the love he has for us. We also considered that because he loves us, we are called to draw near to others.
Nearness is an intrinsic desire for us. Even if we grow to a point of being standoffish about others or introverted, there is still a place in us all that desires connection to someone, be they a family member, a friend, or even a spouse. I could make the assertion that every earthly desire points to a need that is ultimately fulfilled in God, but this often misses the point that we live in the here and now, and in the here and now, connection isn’t always easy, and nearness can feel and even be dangerous.
If we have chosen to walk the path Jesus has laid out for us, this means that we must accept that danger. While I certainly don’t mean that we should expose ourselves to people who endanger us or maintain relationships that are obviously harmful, there is risk inherent to nearness. We learn the good about those to whom we draw near, but we also learn the bad.
In a healthy relationship, this gives us an opportunity to turn to God and seek holiness, bringing before him the advice and possibly even correction others bring to us. However, in an unhealthy relationship, this can lead to abuse. What ought to be “correction” becomes demeaning talk. What ought to be “advice” can become holier-than-thou pride, an arrogant attitude.
When God came near to us, he did so in a fragile state. God the Son, full of divinity and power, became a vulnerable infant in a vulnerable nation at a vulnerable time. He humbly grew up like we do, humbly taught us his ways, and humbly died on a cross for us. And when he rose again, he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, which is about as near as you can get.
My challenge to you this week, as we continue to consider nearness, is to ask yourself some questions.
How does it affect you to draw near to others? Does it frighten you or make you anxious? Does it excite you and comfort you? Do you dread the annoyances people can bring—all people, ourselves included? Do you anticipate the joys of knowing them and experiencing life together?
How do you experience God’s drawing near to you? Is it something you feel in nature, as you read the scriptures, as you connect with others? Is it when you accomplish his will in the world by serving and loving others? Is it remembering that he forgives you when you fail to love?
How can God’s desire to be near you help you desire to be near others? Even if your instinct is to stay as far away from people as you can, how can God’s desire to be close to you cause you to have a love for others that is stronger than your aversion to them?
As you think on these questions, I pray that God’s affection for you would warm your hearts, especially in this season when all people need love the most. May you be empowered by the Spirit of God within you to be the nearness of God which others are seeking.