He’s as close as the mention of His name

Jesus, Jesus

This simple chorus is so beautiful and sung often in my church.  And it holds a special memory for me as well.  When I was in the sixth grade, my dad’s parents were coming out to Virginia from California to live near us.  My grandfather was going to serve in the same church as my dad.  I loved him very much and we were all excited about their coming to live near us again.  But on their trip to Virginia, my grandfather had a massive heart attack and just like that, he was gone.  His was the first family death I experienced and it affected me for a long, long time. 

But in the midst of all my sad memories, there is one memory that is precious to me:  one evening before the funeral, the whole extended family sat together and my dad led us in this song.  It was the first time I’d heard it, and it made a lasting impression in my heart.  Just say His Name.  He is there.

In my hour of struggle so many times I’ve found

He’s as close as the mention of His name

Just to breathe the Name of Jesus can turn everything around

He’s as close as the mention of His name

Many times I have found myself without the words to pray.  In my deepest valleys as well as my highest mountains, when I cannot find the words I simply pray, Jesus.  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.  And it’s as though I’m praying the most eloquent prayer.  He is close.  He is always there.  As close as His name.  This whispered prayer, “Jesus,” has been my most constant prayer throughout my life.  In my loneliness, I cry “Jesus” and I’m not alone.  In my sin, I cry “Jesus” and I find His grace is right there, greater than my sin.  In my times of unspeakable joy, my cry is “Jesus” and it’s as though I could fly to Him, He’s so near.  He’s as close as the mention of His name.

In the very thought of Jesus His presence can be found

He’s as close as the mention of His name

There is never any distance between my Lord and me

He’s as close as the mention of His name

Jesus, after his resurrection, left us bodily so that He could send His Holy Spirit to live in each of us.  I cannot touch his hand or hear his voice, yet he touches me and speaks my name.  Romans 8:26 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

A few years ago when I was stuck in Medical hold in the Army, far from home, I knew that a lot of my difficulties were due to my own unwise choices.  And one dark night for my heart, I heard Him tell me He loved me and I could see the Cross in my mind and I knew He forgave even unwise choices.  But that didn’t mean everything was suddenly better.  In fact, I’ve had some of my most difficult struggles in the past ten years, but I have had some of the greatest joys as well.  Joy in spite of the circumstances, because He is here.

Oh, I long for all of my brothers and sisters to abide in His nearness.  How many times has he waited for me to turn to Him? To simply say His name.  He is that near.  I can be crying and His presence is a hug of comfort like no other.  Or I could be full of laughter, and He lifts my joy to greater heights.  But only if I let Him.  And all I have to do is say His name.  Jesus.  He is that near.  Always. 

Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6