His Name Is Near

“but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.”Psalm 75:7 ESV

Reflection: how do you define “success”? 

We live in a world where wealth, power, youthful beauty are highly valued, even worshipped. We are bombarded with advertisements and “programming” that tell us so, that define for us what success looks like, and how we can get there. And, if you listen to it long enough, it does start having an impact. And we see even some churches echoing the message, of prosperity, wealth and riches. Of course, there is nothing wrong in and of itself with wealth. Or power. Or beauty, for that matter. But, we also know our nature, that with the worldly definition of success comes a lot of temptations. It is easy to think or to say that “I can handle wealth and power”. But if we are honest with ourselves, we know that it is very difficult. Because, 

Success often leads to selfishness. 

Is that really true? Well, let’s think about this. Most people who work very hard, are successful in their work or business, even become wealthy or powerful, who do they generally “attribute” their success to? Isn’t it their own work? Their dedication, long days, sacrifices, etc.. What part does God have in their success? Often very little, right?  We can understand this from someone who doesn’t believe in God. But for us as Christians, is it ok to brag about our success, our accomplishments? Even just a bit? We read directly what the Lord has said, “Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.””Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV. 

The truth is that the Lord despises the proud, the boastful. Why? Because bragging, boasting is generally rooted in a very self centered view, in self pride. It is lifting self up, forgetting that every breath we take is given by God. In psalm 75, we are introduced to a name of God that describes a character of His that is so beautiful. Asaph writes “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”Psalm 75:1 ESV. His name is “near”; what an amazing truth! The refrain of the worship song “Great Are You Lord” goes “It’s your breath, in our lungs, so we pour out our praise”. The song highlights that even the air we breathe, our breath, is from God. That without Him, we can do nothing. And that knowledge, that understanding, changes how we look at our accomplishments, our “success”. 

Asaph summarizes “For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.” Psalm 75:6-7 ESV. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that God “rewards” hard work, dedication, sacrifice to make the most of the time and talents He has given us. But for the purpose of glorifying Him; to love God, and love our neighbors. And, this changes how we look and define success; even our boasting. As the Lord says, “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”” Jeremiah 9:24 ESV. 

How near is God to you today? Maybe He is closer than you think.

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