“Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith …” Philippians 1:25 (CSB)
When they were young, our three children shared a bedroom with a triple bunk bed. But eventually we moved to a new house, giving our daughter her own bedroom.
After that, our youngest son struggled to adjust to sleeping without his big sister nearby. So my daughter would take a pillow and blanket to the boys’ room, pray with him that God would help him settle down, and then lie on his floor until he fell asleep. Just knowing she was nearby was enough to alleviate his fears, allowing his anxious mind to calm and his fidgety body to rest.
In Philippians 1:20-26, Paul discussed his longing to be in heaven with Christ, even while he also desired to stay on earth to strengthen and encourage his friends. In today's key verse, he stated, “I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:25).
Where our English translation says “remain and continue,” Paul originally used the Greek words menein and paramenein. Menein means “to continually be in close proximity,” referring to a person’s physical location. However, paramenein attaches the prefix para to add a new dimension — this term means not only “to be close by” but “to linger beside a person, ever ready to help.”
It’s as if Paul was relaying two crucial truths to his friends: I’m here and I’m here for you. Not only was he telling the church in Philippi that he would be close at hand, but he was also letting them know he was prepared to help them in any way he could. How this letter must have encouraged their hearts, allowing their anxious minds to rest in knowing Paul was ready to assist them if needed.
Paul later wrote to the same church: “Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5, CSB). This means both “near” in proximity and in time, perhaps referring to the Lord’s future return. Either way, it carries the thought of God being close, ready to come to His people's aid.
Paul didn’t just tell his friends he was near but encouraged them that the Lord was near. And still today, since we can’t see God physically, our presence with others reminds them that God cares for them. Our behavior can say, He's here, while also assuring, He's here for you.
It might mean sitting and praying with a friend as she awaits the outcome of her loved one’s surgery, taking a meal or flowers to a co-worker who is reeling from heartbreak, or running errands with an elderly neighbor who lives alone.
The ministry of proximity not only displays to others our readiness to help, but it also assures them that God is near.
Father, may I be on the lookout for those who need Your comfort and love. Help me to show them compassion as I remind them You are near. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Psalm 34:18, “The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit” (CSB).
When has someone served you with actions that said I'm here and I'm here for you? What specifically did they do or say that helped you sense God’s presence?
How might the Lord be calling you to the ministry of proximity today? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.
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