A Dreamweaving for Resting in God's Nearness

On Stillness, Presence & Deep Rest

God is near. Not distant, not far off, not waiting to be found. Near — closer than your own breath, more intimate than your next thought. This dreamweaving is not about reaching God but about resting in the nearness that is already true. You do not have to travel far. You only have to notice what is already present.

We often approach God as if He were far away — requiring a journey, a spiritual effort, a proper state of mind. But Scripture testifies to nearness: "The Lord is near to all who call on Him." "In Him we live and move and have our being."

This meditation invites you to rest in what is already true — that God is here.

Why We Feel Distant

Even when God is near, we often feel distant. Our sense of separation is real, even if the separation itself is not.

• Distraction pulling attention elsewhere
• Guilt making us afraid to approach
• Busyness crowding out awareness
• Disappointment when God does not feel present
• Theology that emphasizes distance over nearness
• Never having learned to notice presence

The feeling of distance does not mean God has moved. It means our attention has. Presence can be recovered simply by turning back.

The Theology of Nearness

Christianity proclaims a God who came near. The incarnation itself is the ultimate statement of divine nearness — God becoming flesh, dwelling among us. The Spirit is described as living within believers. We are not reaching toward a distant deity but resting in an intimate presence.

Nearness is not achieved. It is recognized. God has already drawn close.

A Meditation on Nearness

This meditation invites awareness of what is already true.

Lord, You are near. Nearer than I usually notice. Nearer than my distraction allows me to feel. Nearer than my guilt lets me believe. I do not have to journey to find You. I do not have to be better, cleaner, or more spiritual. You are already here — closer than my own breath, more intimate than my deepest thoughts. Help me notice Your nearness. Help me rest in what is already true. I am not reaching toward something far. I am waking up to what is present. Let me abide in Your nearness. Let me dwell in Your presence. Let the awareness of Your closeness become the atmosphere I breathe.

After the meditation, stay in awareness of nearness. Let the sense of presence continue. You do not have to leave to go about your day — God's nearness goes with you.

Cultivating Awareness of Nearness

The practice of noticing God's nearness can become natural with cultivation.

• Set reminders to pause and notice presence throughout the day
• Use breath as a reminder — each breath taken in God's nearness
• Let ordinary moments become thresholds to awareness
• Release the feeling that you must create presence
• Trust that feeling distant does not mean God is distant
• Practice turning attention back when it wanders

Nearness becomes more accessible the more it is practiced. What begins as occasional awareness can become sustained consciousness of presence.