Oh So Close

19 of 22 from Psalm 119

Psalms 119:145-152  KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.  (146)  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.  (147)  I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.  (148)  Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.  (149)  Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.  (150)  They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.  (151)  Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.  (152)  Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

            Our Psalmist, King David, is concerned that those who oppose him are “compassing him” and getting very close.  He knows those who are opposing him are also against God.  (My fear is that we may be re-living King David’s day.)

            We are finding that we have not only a President, but also a Congress and a Judicial System that oppose God and His Son, our Beloved Jesus.  Everywhere we turn, we find the ranks are “draw[ing] nigh.”  (Any emblem we as Christians wear (contrary to the secular point of view) is automatically declared unsuitable for public display.)

            We find that secularism is encompassing “The Christian Family,” and moving (in the direction) to tighten “Oh So Close” and isolate “The Christian” into a closed society.

Psalm 17:9  From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

The world, which compasses us is and always has been a wicked world.  Yet, we find our government, which was set up as a Christian government, has turned its back on the very precepts from which it was formed.  It has moved “far from thy law” and is now allowing sin to be an acceptable lifestyle.  What was an abomination to God (and still is) has become “normal.”  “What can we as Christians do?” 

            First, follow King David’s lead.  Believe that God is our shield. 

Psalm 84:9  Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

Look to God for protection and stand “your ground” by following His Precepts.

2 Timothy 1:13  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

We as a people are to “Hold fast… in faith and love” (and as the world closes its ranks around us,) we by “faith and love” are to stand fast regardless of the consequences.

Philippians 1:27  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

We are not to allow “the cares” of this world “drive us” to extremes.  We are to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind” working together as true Christians for the “faith of the gospel.”

            “Reader, are you part of “The Group” compassing “The Christians,” and relishing in the freedom of your sin?  On the other hand, are you within the circle of the “faith[ful in]…the gospel?”  Are you the problem for Christians, or are you the problem for the world?”

            We as Christians must know Jesus is returning to collect His Faithful.  Look to the sky, and watch for His return.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  (16)  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  (17)  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

            “Christian, look up and “comfort one another” because He is “Oh So Close.”

Bro John R. E Chastain

Retired Pastor

Wylie, Texas      

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