Philippians 4:5

5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

There is much discussion over this verse, and exactly what Paul meant by “near.” Did Paul mean near, as to space, or near as to time? Did he mean that Jesus was on His way back? The Greek word is ENGUS, and it means near concerning place or time, at hand, or accessible.

I believe Paul is speaking more of the relationship that a growing believer has with the Lord. It has more to do with the intimacy and nearness of the Lord to handle everything for you.

Of course, since God is omnipresent, He is certainly near in terms of space. This also means that He is near, and therefore sees and hears all that we say and do. (Ouch!)

Isaiah 41:10

10 'Do not fear, for I am with you;

Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Hebrews 4:13

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Look at it this way: when you have a thought, the Lord is near enough to read it. When you have something to say to Him in prayer, He is near enough to hear it. When you need His strength and power, He is near enough to provide it.

Once you begin to realize the nearness of the Lord to you moment by moment, you will start to recognize what your life is really all about. There is no disappointment in a life that seeks God.

Jeremiah 29:13

13 "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Hebrews 11:6

6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Seeking Him is the key – because knowing that the Lord is near is only meaningful to you if you know the Lord!

Remember that the chapters and verses were added to the Bible by men. Paul reminds the Philippians that the Lord is near, and then he says:

Philippians 4:6

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Knowing the Lord, and knowing that He is near, gives you the ability to be anxious for nothing! You can live in the confidence that He will always be with you.