Those who have learnt to trust in Him have the testimony of His abiding presence...

WEEKLY REFLECTION ON 2026 DIOCESAN THEME: "IMMANUEL: GOD IS WITH US" (Matthew 1:23; Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 23:4)

SUB-THEME: THE GOD WHO COMES NEAR

TOPIC: He Is Not Distant

TEXT: Psalm 145:18; Acts 17:27

Introduction: Our Diocesan theme for the year is “Immanuel: God is with us.” This is a message of hope, assurance, encouragement, and comfort. He was with us yesterday, today, and forever. Those who have learnt to trust in Him have the testimony of His abiding presence.

The Bible says in Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” The most critical issue here is believing this Word of God. When we believe it, we can speak about it from personal experience. We can testify that God’s Word is true and that He can never lie. “He is near” simply means that He is with them; He is involved in their affairs. He takes care of all that concerns them and responds to them in their times of need.

However, note that there is a condition attached to that same verse. God is not just near to any random person who calls upon Him. The Bible clearly adds: “to all who call upon Him in truth.” Thus, our Lord Jesus Himself taught that “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). In a time when the Church is filled with hypocrisy and corruption, we are urged to be sincere in our relationship with God. To call upon Him in truth means, among other things, that we have no other god in any form and that we strive to live according to His commandments.

Beloved, what is your relationship with God like? Are you beginning to doubt the reality of His presence because you have allowed other things to encroach upon your relationship with Him? Today God is calling you to retrace your steps. Be faithful to Him. Believe His Word, and He will remain near to you till the end.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to overcome anything that seeks to stand between us. Help me to serve You in spirit and in truth all the days of my life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.