Yahweh
is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
Psalm 145 [10.] All your works will give thanks to you, Yahweh.
Your saints will extol you.
They will speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and talk about your power;
to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts,
the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
Yahweh is faithful in all his words,
and loving in all his deeds.
Yahweh upholds all who fall,
and raises up all those who are bowed down.
The eyes of all wait for you.
You give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Yahweh is righteous in all his ways,
and gracious in all his works.
Yahweh is near to all those who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear him.
He also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Meaning:
At its core, Psalm 145:18 emphasizes the closeness of God to those who genuinely seek Him. It speaks to the accessibility of God and His willingness to engage with His people in a personal and intimate way. This verse underscores the truth that God is not distant or aloof but is actively involved in the lives of those who earnestly seek Him.
- God's Proximity:
The phrase "Yahweh is near" highlights the immanence of God, emphasizing His closeness to His people. This closeness is not just physical but also spiritual and relational. God is present with His people, ready to hear their prayers, and respond to their needs.
- Response to Prayer:
The verse emphasizes that God is near to all those who call on Him. This implies that God is attentive to the prayers of His people and is ready to respond to them. When we call on God in prayer, He is near to hear us and to act on our behalf according to His wisdom and will.
- Calling on God in Truth:
The condition for experiencing God's nearness is calling on Him "in truth." This implies sincerity, authenticity, and honesty in our relationship with God. It involves approaching God with a genuine heart and a desire to align ourselves with His truth and His will.
Cross-referencing with other passages in Scripture, we find similar teachings on the nearness of God to those who seek Him with sincerity and truth. In Jeremiah 29:13, God declares, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." This verse emphasizes the importance of wholehearted seeking in our relationship with God.
Furthermore, in James 4:8, James encourages believers to draw near to God, promising that He will draw near to them. This verse reinforces the idea that our proximity to God is not determined by physical distance but by the condition of our hearts and our willingness to seek Him earnestly.
As we reflect on Psalm 145:18, we are reminded of the assurance that God is near to all those who call on Him in truth. This verse encourages us to approach God with sincerity and authenticity in our prayers, knowing that He is attentive to our cries and ready to respond to us.
In our personal lives, Psalm 145:18 challenges us to cultivate a deeper relationship with God characterized by sincerity and truth. It invites us to draw near to God in prayer, confident that He is near to us and eager to engage with us in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, Psalm 145:18 reminds us of the incredible privilege we have as believers to approach the Creator of the universe with confidence and assurance, knowing that He hears our prayers and is near to us in every moment.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible