You’ve probably heard this before.
“God is near.”
But if you’re honest… it doesn’t always feel like that.
There are moments when you pray and feel nothing.
Moments when you need Him most… and it feels quiet.
So now you’re wondering…
If God is near… why does it sometimes feel like He’s far?
Is there something in this verse that explains that?
Let’s see what the Scripture actually says.
READ THE VERSE (KJV)
“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18 (KJV)
SECTION: WHAT DOES “CALL UPON HIM IN TRUTH” MEAN?
This isn’t just about saying prayers.
It’s about being real.
No pretending. No filtering. No saying what you think you should say.
Think about a conversation with someone close to you.
If you hold back… the connection feels distant.
But when you’re honest… something changes.
That’s what this is.
Calling on God in truth means you’re not hiding anything.
The Bible says:
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts…”
Psalm 51:6 (KJV)
Not just outward words.
Inward truth.
So let me ask you.
When you talk to God… are you being honest… or just saying the right things?
SECTION: WHAT IS REALLY BEING SAID HERE?
God being “near” isn’t about distance.
It’s about connection.
You can be physically close to someone… and still feel far from them.
And the same is true here.
God is near… but not everyone experiences that nearness.
Why?
Because not everyone is calling on Him in truth.
Some call out of routine.
Some out of pressure.
Some without really opening their heart.
And that affects the connection.
The Bible says:
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
James 4:8 (KJV)
There’s a response involved.
So the real question is…
Are you actually drawing near… or just going through the motions?
SECTION: CONTEXT CHANGES EVERYTHING
Psalm 145 is all about who God is.
His greatness. His goodness. His mercy.
This verse sits in the middle of that.
It’s not saying God is selectively near.
It’s showing how you experience that nearness.
A few verses later, it says:
“He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.”
Psalm 145:19 (KJV)
That connects directly.
Nearness… hearing… responding.
It’s relational.
Not automatic.
SECTION: THE CONNECTION MOST PEOPLE MISS
This connects directly to what Jesus said:
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
John 4:24 (KJV)
Same idea.
Truth matters.
Not performance.
Not repetition.
Truth.
That’s where real connection happens.
SECTION: WHERE THIS SHOWS UP IN REAL LIFE (BIBLE STORIES)
Look at David for a second.
He didn’t hide when he messed up.
He brought everything to God.
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart…”
Psalm 51:17 (KJV)
He was honest.
Raw. Real.
And God met him there.
So ask yourself.
Do you bring your real thoughts to God… or just the safe ones?
Look at the Pharisee and the tax collector.
Both prayed.
But one was performing.
The other was honest.
“God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Luke 18:13 (KJV)
And Jesus said that man went home justified.
Why?
Because he was real.
So here’s the question.
When you pray… are you performing… or being honest?
SECTION: LET’S BE HONEST
This is where people struggle.
Because being honest with God means facing things you’d rather avoid.
Your fears.
Your doubts.
Your frustrations.
It’s easier to say quick, surface-level prayers.
But those don’t create real connection.
The Bible says:
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him…”
Psalm 62:8 (KJV)
Pour it out.
Not filter it.
SECTION: WHAT ACTUALLY CHANGES WHEN YOU LIVE THIS
This verse shifts you from feeling like God is distant…
to experiencing Him as present.
Before this… prayer can feel empty.
Routine.
Disconnected.
After this… it becomes real.
Personal.
You’re not just speaking words.
You’re connecting honestly.
And that changes how you experience God.
Not because He moved closer…
But because you stopped holding back.
The Bible says:
“The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart…”
Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
That’s where nearness is felt.
In honesty.
OUTRO (NO PRAYER)
God isn’t far away.
He’s near.
But this verse shows you something important.
It’s not just about calling on Him.
It’s about how you call.
In truth.
No pretending. No holding back.
So next time you pray…
don’t try to sound right.
Just be real.
And see what changes.
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
