The Power of Proximity

Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

In the last few months, I started following an account on Instagram called Women of Welcome. They are a group of Christian women who advocate for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They wear hats that say, “Choosing Proximity.” Those hats have struck a deep chord with me and have had me thinking about the power of proximity.

One of the things this group does is go to the border and put their hands through the fence to pray for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. They hand supplies through the fence and are simply near to them. They pray over the border patrol, and they bring encouragement to the local church leaders who tirelessly support this vulnerable population. These women go for a week at a time and use the power of proximity to show the love of our Savior to people in need.

There is knowledge in the nearness–a knowledge that only comes when you are close. We often think we know what others need, and sometimes we make good guesses, but there are needs that only come to light when you are near.

In my experience, we are often prideful people who are bad at asking for help. But when you are near, you see. The person in need doesn’t even have to ask.

Often when a friend or colleague is going through a difficult situation, we’ll say, “Let me know how I can help.”

Honestly, that is one of my least favorite things to hear. When I am in distress, I can rarely think clearly enough to tell you what I need.

What I need most in those times is someone to sit with me–not with a task to complete or a solution to offer–but simply to be near.

It’s one of the hardest gifts to give: time, a listening ear, no answers, no agenda.

Just your presence.

Though I cannot fix it, I will sit in it with you.

I care enough to see your pain and sit in your pain.

Romans 12:15 (ESV)

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Over and over in the Gospels, we see Jesus choose proximity to the sick, the rejected, and the marginalized. He eats with tax collectors and sinners.

Matthew 9:10-13 (ESV)

"And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples."

Jesus doesn’t wait for the sinners to come to Him–He goes to them.

He is Emmanuel, God with us.

His love is not bound by social norms.

He chooses proximity not just to heal, but to dignify every human being.

Jesus sees your every need.

Abide in Him.

James 4:8a (ESV)

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."