24 One with many friends may be harmed,^[a]
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 CSB)

In certain areas within the motorcycle community the word “brother” has deep connotations. With my closest friends I have often used the word brother because they are closer than brothers to me.

We often think of God as distant. Even the word, “God”, brings a certain awe and distance to it that may not make Him feel close. But the word “Spirit” is one of closeness. Something near but unseen. Furthermore, when I utter Christ name He always seems near. In fact as scripture says, I know he is right beside me.

Our Triumvirate God is closer than a brother. He is the God who saves. The God who preserves. The God who loves.

God is not distant. Yes, He should be revered in awe. But through the Spirit, He is close at hand. Always listening, always caring and always loving.

I never experienced what it was like to have a brother until I grew up and had friends who were my brothers. Thus, this scripture has relevance to me in that way. God lets me know that He is here when I need him. In fact I went to bed last night with many thoughts running through my head one of which was how distant God felt right now to me. Then I woke to this scripture and He brought home to me just how close He really was.

God is close.