God Is Near You

 

Have you ever found yourself struggling with a problem, only to realize later that the solution was simpler than you thought? Sometimes, we exhaust ourselves trying to fix things on our own, unaware that help is closer than we imagine. This is a story about how a simple act of seeking the right solution—and the right Helper—can change everything.

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The Stuck Door

One evening, I visited a friend who was struggling to carry some goods into one of his rooms. As I tried to help by opening the door, I quickly realized it wouldn’t budge.

“The door won’t open,” my friend said matter-of-factly. He then walked around to another entrance, unlocked the door from the inside, and continued with his task.

Curious, I took a closer look at the door. The lock was stuck, not because it was broken, but because it had dried out over time. It simply needed a little oil to function smoothly again.

“Do you have any oil?” I asked.

My friend searched for a moment, found a small bottle of oil, and handed it to me. I applied just a few drops to the lock, and within seconds, it was working perfectly.

My friend was amazed. “I’ve been taking the long way to open this door for months!” he exclaimed.

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The Lesson in the Lock

As I reflected on this simple moment, I realized how often we do the same thing in life. We struggle with problems—relationships, finances, health, or even spiritual battles—and instead of seeking the right solution, we take the long way around. We exhaust ourselves trying to fix things on our own, unaware that the answer is closer than we think.

The Bible reminds us:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Just as the lock needed oil to function properly, we often need God’s guidance and intervention to navigate life’s challenges. Yet, instead of turning to Him, we rely on our own strength, taking unnecessary detours and enduring unnecessary struggles.

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The Nearness of God

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God is always near. He is not distant or detached from our struggles. He sees our pain, hears our cries, and is ready to help—if only we would seek Him.

Here are a few reminders of God’s nearness:

1. He Is Our Refuge: When life feels overwhelming, God is a safe place where we can find peace and rest.
2. He Is Our Strength: When we feel weak, He provides the strength we need to keep going.
3. He Is Our Helper: No problem is too big or too small for Him. He cares about every detail of our lives.

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A Call to Seek Him

My friend had been struggling with that stuck door for months, unaware that a simple solution was within reach. How often do we do the same in our own lives? We toil and struggle, trying to fix things on our own, when all we need to do is turn to God.

Here’s the good news: God is always near, and He is ready to help. Whether you’re facing a locked door in your life or a seemingly insurmountable challenge, He is the solution you’ve been searching for.

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

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Practical Steps to Seek God

1. Pray: Bring your struggles to God in prayer. He invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
2. Read His Word: The Bible is full of wisdom, guidance, and promises that can light your path.
3. Trust His Timing: Sometimes, the solution doesn’t come immediately, but God is always working behind the scenes. Trust that He knows what’s best for you.
4. Seek Community: Just as I helped my friend with the door, God often uses others to guide and support us. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or pastor.

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Closing Thought

That evening, a few drops of oil were all it took to fix a problem that had caused months of frustration. In the same way, a simple act of seeking God can unlock solutions to the challenges you’ve been facing.

Whatever you’re going through today, remember this: God is near. He sees you, He hears you, and He is ready to help. Don’t take the long way around—turn to Him and experience the peace and guidance only He can provide.

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Call-to-Action

If this story resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. Share your own experiences of how God has been near to you in times of trouble. And if you’re feeling stuck in a situation right now, let me know how I can pray for you.

Remember, God is always near. All you need to do is call on Him.