Closer Than You Think: A 5-Day Devotional by Jonathan TraylorParaugs

Closer Than You Think | Day 4 I’m Good

We be trippin’ on the small things

Lose our mind when it don’t go our way

Life at times can be a roller coaster

So, buckle up and just enjoy the moment

I’m in His hands
I know He’s got plans
No telling where I might go

Cause it’s only one I know
Know He’s got all control

So I’m good!

My grandma (granny) is the definition of “unbothered”. She’s been walking with God for so long that she probably hasn’t had a sleepless night since… ever. I can remember nights as a child when our electricity was out, and we didn’t have the money to get it back on. Even from my bedroom, I could hear my granny and mom worshiping in the living room. Worship? The memory of those after-hours praise breaks sits frozen in my mind. At the time, I couldn’t decide if they were brilliant or insane.

That’s pretty much how I felt the first time I read Philippians 4:5-6:

“Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Paul tells us that if we lay down anxiety, God will give us His peace and guard our hearts.

Did you catch the good news in verse 5? “The Lord is near”. He’s closer than you think. He is even in your anxious moments. When you’re facing a storm, what does your response feel like when you know that God stands beside you? Paul suggests that we stop talking to the storm and start talking to God. What would you do if you had His full attention?

Psalm 34:18 tells us that God is near to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He’s there.

I’ve missed more than a few moments complaining to God instead of praying to Him. Anybody else? I’ve been vague in my desires instead of intentionally petitioning, and I’ve missed chances to thank God for His goodness. I missed my chance to worship.

“We’ve all seen highs and been through the valley. I know I’ll be fine. You’re always around me. I’m good.”