Qarob (kaw-robe'): Near, close, at hand
Most people know Psalm 34 says the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. But I also know that most people struggle to believe the Lord is close to them. That's why this week's Hebrew word is qarob which just literally means "near". It's one of the simplest words in we can study in our word studies series but also one of the most repeated themes in Scripture.
Moses uses it in Deuteronomy to remind Israel that no other nation had a god who was actually near to them the way the Lord was near to Israel. David uses it in the Psalms to comfort himself and the people who are crushed, brokenhearted, at the end of themselves.
Qarob isn't a God who's watching from a distance. It's a God who draws close. Who stays close. Who is, right now, nearer to you than you probably feel like He is.
I think that's one of the most comforting things about the whole Bible! God's nearness isn't something you have to earn or work up enough faith to unlock. God's default posture toward His people is close.
Now remember, God cannot change. He is faithful and constant. So, if those truths were true for Israel or David then, then they are true for you now. If they were true for unrepentant, disobedient Israel then, how much more are they true for you now, with the Holy Spirit indwelling you?! Friend, do you believe He is near? (Remember, faith isn't something that has to be felt, it's an inward conviction DESPITE feelings.)
Do you trust Him to be all that He's said He is (for thousands of years!) or will you continue to live by doubt and disbelief? The choice is yours! But the truth has been repeated all throughout scripture.
Scriptures where we find "Qarob":
Deuteronomy 4:7 — "what great nation has a god so near to it..."
Psalm 34:18 — "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..."
Psalm 145:18 — "The Lord is near to all who call on him..."
