Fifteen years ago, I received a phone call from a friend in what I can only describe as a full-blown spiritual crisis. Through tears and strained silence, she confessed things she thought disqualified her from God’s presence: sexual sin, rebellion, alcohol abuse, and a string of regrets. Her voice cracked as she asked, “Does God even see me anymore? Can He still hear me?”
Truth be told, I didn’t have the right words in that moment. So I did what I always do when I feel helpless—I prayed, then turned to Scripture. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 brought comfort. That image of a father running to his broken, returning son never fails to bring me to tears.
Later, I picked up Max Lucado’s Come Thirsty, and this fictional yet spiritually potent scene caught my eye. Jesse, a Christ-figure, finds Meagan in a cafe. She’s exhausted, emotionally wrecked, and burdened by shame. She spills out her story—a series of poor choices that left her feeling used and discarded. Then she asks: “Where’s God in all this?”
Jesse leans in and replies, “Nearer than you’ve ever dreamed.”
This is the heart of the gospel.
Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) declares,
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
And Isaiah 55:6-7 (NKJV) urges,
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will have mercy… for He will abundantly pardon.”
We serve a God who draws near to the broken.
Not just the polished or the cleaned-up.
Not just the Sunday best version.
But the tear-streaked, regret-heavy, “I’m barely holding it together” version.
Maybe this is you today. Maybe you’re wondering, like my friend once did, if God still sees you. If He’s still listening. Let me remind you: He is. He always has been.
He is nearer than you’ve ever dreamed.
When have you felt far from God? What reminded you of His nearness?
Share your story below. Someone else might need your honesty today.
