Reminder: The Lord is Near, or Answer the Door

I was wondering about the Bible passages that say "the Lord is near" (or "at hand"), or where the Lord says, "I am with you." Look here for a compilation of these "I am with you" statements of the Lord. The characteristic refrain is, "Fear not, for I am with you." It's a remarkable list, taken together. The resounding sense is, "Don't be afraid. The Lord is with you, fighting for you, protecting you, and guiding you." How's that for a confidence-builder.

Now, just for good measure, here are a couple of "the Lord is near" verses:

• The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps. 34:18
• The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Ps. 145:18

And as for "The Lord is at hand":

• Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.... Phil. 4:5

By the way, the Greek word translated "reasonableness" in the ESV is "gentleness" in the NIV. You might also say moderation, or patience. These words describe something that comes with the understanding that "the Lord is near." By the way, the same Greek word appears in the following verse, and here the ESV translates the same word as "gentle":

• But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Reasonableness, gentleness, moderation, patience, this is a realm of words that describe the emotional/spiritual climate of the Christian life. You can't get it unless it is given to you "from above." It is "wisdom from above." Which reminds me:

• Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” Eph. 4:8

Such wisdom as is marked by remarkable gentlesness, patience, and reasonableness; all this must be a gift from God, and it is based on Jesus having ascended victoriously to the Father's right hand. If we are not experiencing these gifts, if we need more of that "climate," perhaps it is because we need to hear what Jesus is saying to the church at Laodicea:

• Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20

Note: reading these verses in their context will do nothing but improve your understanding. I just thought I'd share.