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Psalm 145:18 - God Is Near To All Who Call On Him Sincerely In Truth.

Psalm 145:18 (NKJV) The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.

Psalm 145:18 (NIV) The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18 (NLT) The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.

Psalm 145:18 (ESV) The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145:18 (AMP) The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.

Psalm 145:18 (CWR) He comes close to those who call on Him in truth, who seek Him with all their hearts.

INTRODUCTION

Sometimes our burdens seem more than we can bear, and we wonder how we can go on. David stood at this bleak intersection of life's road and meditated on the Lord, the great burden bearer. God is able to lift us up because (1) his greatness is beyond our understanding (145: 3); (2) he does mighty acts across many generations (145: 4); (3) he is full of splendor and majesty (145: 5); (4) he does wonderful and awesome deeds (145: 5-6); (5) he is righteous (145: 7); (6) he is kind, merciful, patient, loving, and compassionate (145: 8-9); (7) he rules over an everlasting kingdom (145: 13); (8) he meets all our daily needs (145: 15-16); (9) he is righteous and gracious in all his dealings (145: 17); (10) he remains near to those who call on him (145: 18); and (11) he hears our cries and rescues us (145: 19-20). If you are bending under a burden and feel that you are about to fall, turn to God for help. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.  GW 254

If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet, joyful sense of the presence of Jesus...... Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan. FLB 225

COMMENTARY

Vending Machine Prayer
   "Lord, I'm single, and I'd really like to find that special someone," prays a young lady facing a vending machine. She wants to purchase not a bag of Doritos, but a "relationship." Some other words displayed for purchase are "money," "success," and "popularity." Vending Machine Prayer is a short YouTube film that shows the silliness of expecting God to fulfill our every wish.
   God wants us to "call upon Him" for every need - not every want. Like the panhandler who writes on a piece of cardboard, "I need a beer," our hearts often deceive us (Jeremiah 17:9) about what will make us happy. This is why today's promise ends with the phrase "in truth" We must speak the truth in our hearts (Psalm 15:2) - be honest with God about needs versus wants. In the model prayer, rather than use God as a vending machine, we submit to His will for our lives (Matthew 6:10).
   And when we do, He promises to be near us - not only "in green pastures" (Psalm 23:2) but through deadly valleys (v. 4). We may not always sense the Shepherd's presence in our valleys, but that doesn't mean He's not there. Although His goodness may be hidden by our shadowy feelings, sunrise will reveal that He was working out "all things ... together for good" (Romans 8:28).
   Our good is what God desires when denying our petitions. Understanding our tendency to "ask amiss" (James 4:3), the Lord withholds the vending snack that would make us ill. But as a loving Father, He doesn't leave us empty-handed. In the place of our request, He will provide - after a period of waiting on Him (Psalm 27:14) - something better than we could have ever imagined! (1 Corinthians 2:9).
   Heavenly Father, I ask for Your will to be done in my life, knowing that You only want what is best for me. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

Call on Him
   No matter where you are, no matter what kind of trouble you are facing, God is as close as a whisper. Don't hesitate to bring all your burdens to him. Remember, he sees your heart. He rushes to meet you whenever you call on him.
   There is no shame in his presence. He will never use your past against you. He may correct you, but it's always with kindness. He may reprove you, but even so he has undeterred affection for you. A good father corrects his children so they will grow in wisdom, not so he can prove his power. God is a better Father than any of us have known. His love knows no limits, and he will never turn us away when we call on him.
   Dare to bring God all that you are - the good, the bad, and the ugly. He receives you with open arms. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub]

Daily Drawing Close To Jesus
   In all seasons, you are called to walk with the Good Shepherd. Whether you're saddled with strife or abounding with joy, Jesus wants you to continually rely on His sufficiency, not your own.
   We never graduate from being led by our Good Shepherd. We often cling to Jesus when we're being led through the valley of the shadow of death, only to run our own way once we've made it through and are back in the light.
   The secret to living truly free is to stay close to Jesus in all things. Stay close when you wake up. When you're working. When you're with your friends, family, or neighbors. Stay close when you're tired and when you're energized. When you're celebrating and when you're sorrowful.
   Stay close to Jesus and you will experience not just life, but life to the full. Jesus is close to all those who call on His name, and He is willing and wanting to fulfill the desires of those who daily draw near to Him.
   Dear Jesus, I have not grown out of my need for Your shepherding and love. I will follow Your voice as You steer me toward truth and eternal life. [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 145:18 - God Is Near All Who Call On Him In Truth.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220909-0826.html

Psalm 145:18 - God Comes Near With Unique Blessings As We Pray.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20061228-1044.html

Jeremiah 33 - Prayer Reveals Marvelous And Wonderful Things From God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210716-1029.html

Psalm 34:17-19 - Deliverance in Jesus
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20051007-0947.html

Philippians 4:19 - All Our Needs Fulfilled In Christ.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230509-0914.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/