Closer Than Your Next Breath: Where Is God When You Need Him Most?

by Susie Larson

God is omnipresent—meaning He's here, there, everywhere all at the same time—so no matter what you're going through today or worried about facing tomorrow, He is closer than you can imagine, and His presence changes everything.

The God of creation cares deeply about every detail of our personal lives. He's in charge of every galaxy and has named every star. He also knows about the hurts in our hearts and the hairs on our heads. He's near and far. His glory fills the universe, and yet He's up close and involved.

Though we believe in our minds that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present, sometimes we don't feel his closeness. How can we walk boldly in our faith, expecting Him to draw near to us as we draw near to Him, as promised in the book of James? In Closer Than Your Next Breath, bestselling author, speaker, and radio host Susie Larson helps readers experience God's trustworthiness and love—even when they feel far from Him. In this book, readers will explore these questions and  

How do I know if I'm hearing the voice of God?Is feeling good the same as feeling God?Is there anything I can do when God seems silent?How should God's presence impact me? 

There's nothing like God's presence in our lives, but sometimes we chase the sensational and miss the supernatural. Worship services, retreats or conferences, and mountaintop experiences are great, but too often we rush right by the nuanced, miraculous ways God shows up in our story every day. When we pursue the heart of God through the Word of God, that's when we experience the presence of God—and it makes all the difference in our lives.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Religion

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Susie Larson is a popular radio talk show host, national speaker, and bestselling author. The author of twenty-two books, Susie is also a veteran in the fitness field and has twice been voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award. Susie and her husband live near Minneapolis with their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.

Reviews

[Ashley Means · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal read if you're looking to grow your relationship with God. Helped me finds ways to sense His presence, even in trying times. Highly recommended treating this as a study and digging in deep to the suggested Bible readings to accompany your learning

[Brenda Klaassen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one I will re-read because I know I have not gleamed all the knowledge that is in it from it. I will be suggesting this book to others.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved many of Susie Larson’s books and have gotten to hear her speak a few times, so I was hopeful to enjoy this. I’m so glad I picked this book up when I did! It felt needed for this season of life. It’s full of reminders of how near God is to us always – even when He’s silent or feels far. I left the reading experience feeling empowered by the reminders that I am never alone but always have constant access to the almighty God in my midst through any and all situations. God used Susie’s words to speak to me and I felt that still, small voice of the Spirit multiple times throughout reading. While at times I did feel like the writing didn’t land its point of give a clear answer, I still enjoyed it as a whole.

Some reminders for believers from this book:
✨there’s is nothing you can do to stop God’s plans that are in motion – you can’t mess it up!
✨you were made for such a time as this.
✨even when it feels like the Lord is silent, He’s still moving.
✨you have constant access to the fruit of the spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
✨God, the creator of the universe, uniquely loves us and is concerned about even the smallest details of our lives.
✨surely only goodness and mercy follow you! Surely they do!

[Laurie Verwey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best bible studies/devotionals I've ever read. Packed with insight, encouragement, and motivation to inspire the reader to dig deeper into the Word of God and grow stronger in the faith. I journaled while reading and thoroughly enjoyed the questions at the end of each chapter and the 'ponder His presence' and prayer sections!

One quote that really spoke to me, 'As people of the kingdom we've been bought with a price. We're no longer our own. God has every right to force us into service, but instead, He woos us into intimacy. He doesn't call us slaves, He calls us friends. He opens our eyes to see the spiritual dimension. He confides in us with insight that's otherworldly. He speaks life to us through His living Word. He breathes life in us through His Holy Spirit. And, He equips us to navigate life behind enemy lines until He comes again.'

[Jan Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, here I am highlighting my way through yet another Susie Larson book.
And not without good reason!
Her books are real and raw and honest and authentic and actually HELP me in the exact place in which I currently find myself. This book has also helped me to take steps forward so that I no longer remain stuck in the place I've been for too long.

For example, in chapter 4 Susie writes this: "God sometimes overwhelms us with His manifest presence because we're due for an upgrade in our perspective of who He is. God reveals His nature so that we might grow more confident in Him. We're securely tethered to the most immovable, unshakable force in the universe. If we grasped this truth in our inmost being, we'd likely never have another insecure day in our lives."

How's that for pretty bold verbiage to me, a woman who needs to get moving out of the place she's been for far too long?
This book is a balm for my weariness and a boon to my heart. It has made me pause and ponder the goodness and the faithfulness of God and has challenged me to stop remaining in the place I've been and move on toward a more healed version of myself.

In short, it is what I needed in the right now stage of my life, and I am so thankful for this book.

For a million reasons beyond my own, this is a book that will be good for you. If you're looking for your next solid read from a Christian author, I think you may have found what you've been on the lookout for. You won't be sorry you bought this book. But you may find yourself highlighting your way through it and re-reading the pages over and over again!

[Tricia Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson has done it again! I have read many of her writings and this is my current favorite! In her refreshing way of combining solid Biblical truth with humility and humor, Susie’s writings open my eyes and heart to recognize Jesus in my midst. It’s almost uncanny how picking up this book, at this time, strengthened and encouraged me in my present season. She is a feisty, but a gracious prophet for communicating God’s truth for our day and in this present hour. Besides scripture, her writings are those that I share most frequently with family and friends. This book, in particular reminded me to look up and to look ahead to what is promised for the Believer and to walk in light of eternity. Susie writes, “Time and time again, the Spirit of the living God within us will defy the gravity of the circumstances around us, if we only trust His way above our own.” At the end of each chapter she gives questions to Reflect on and go deeper, offers a beautiful prayer and then ideas for application in a Respond section. This book easily lends itself to a group study. I have already given away several copies! It’s THAT good!!!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer Than Your Next Breath is an honest look into how God has led, and continues to lead Susie on her healing journey with Him and what He has taught her through it. The book is relatable with Scripture to reinforce her points. Sharing what she has learned, the book is full of hope for those who wonder:
How do I know if I’m hearing the voice of God?
Is feeling good the same as feeling God?
What can I do when God seems silent?
How should God’s presence impact me?
At the end of each chapter there is reflection, pray and respond section that helps to personally process the information in the chapter. Each chapter concludes with a "Ponder His Presence" section that does exactly that. It gives a deeper insight into who God is and what His presence may actually look like in our lives.
This book will deepen your walk with the Lord.

[Nancy Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson’s newest book, Closer Than Your Next Breath, is both encouraging and uplifting. Through personal reflections and comments by others, Susie brings the nearness of God into reality. She has dealt with a chronic, debilitating illness for many years, and she has struggled herself with believing in God’s love and concern. Her testimony helps those of us going through both ordinary stresses of life and those with life-altering circumstances to see how God shows himself to us, how God relates to us, and how God loves us. Each chapter has a prayer, a response activity, and a Ponder His Presence reflection. One quote is especially meaningful to me, “We’ll never find our Father exasperated by our weakness. We’ll always find that our Abba pours his glory and his strength into those places we’d rather hide.” This book will certainly help strengthen the faith of the reader.

[Karen Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Susie Larson for many years. "Closer Than Your Next Breath" is filled with description after description of our amazing God. Susie reminds readers that "Jesus is all about life," and we live at the "pace of grace."

This book was written from the heart and bathed in prayer. It's a book to prayerfully read along with your Bible and a journal.

Filled with Scriptures and practical application, "Closer Than Your Next Breath" reveals how God has worked in Susie's life and those of others. Susie's vulnerability and style make the reader feel like Susie is in the room sharing her innermost thoughts.

Each chapter provides stories from the Bible and applications from real-life experiences. Prayers fill the pages.

The "Reflect" section urges readers to reflect on the Scriptures and how they apply to the readers. Please take your time with this section.

The "Respond" sections ask the readers to quiet themselves and focus on God. One "Respond" section prompts the reader to "take a few deep breaths, sit quietly before the Lord, read His Word, and wait for Him to speak."

The "Ponder His Presence" is my favorite section. These sections begin with practical questions, like "How Do I Know If I'm Hearing the Voice of God?"

Focused on our gracious God, His attributes, and His love for His sons and daughters, Susie reminds us, "We're called to live intimately in sync with Jesus, to be pliable in the Father's hand."

May you become aware that God is nearer to you than your next breath.

Susie Larson

[Chris Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many times in our lives during trials, illnesses and heartbreaks, that we question and wonder where God is. Susie Larson’s new book, “Closer Than Your Next Breath”, uses scripture as well as personal accounts of these kinds of trials to point out that God is worthy of our trust and love, and that we can lean on the promises in His Word!
She provides ideas for us to reflect on, pray about, and respond to at the end of some chapters and beautiful heartfelt prayers at the end of others.
Susie Larson has such a gift for making you feel that she is speaking directly to you because she uses so many common experiences that are so relatable.
I highly recommend “Closer Than Your Next Breath” as well as all of her other many books. You will be blessed by the insights.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a daughter of God and pastor for 32 years I have found this book to be filled with priceless truths for myself personally and for those I minister to. In a world that is filled with so much brokenness and pain the truth of what Susie Larson writes is powerful and freeing. "Our loving Father often takes us back to certain parts of our stories - never leaving our sides for a moment - before He propels us forward into our next place of promise. We may not always feel His nearness, but He's intimately involved with every nuance of our lives. He helps us to re-story our story. He gives us new experiences and redemptive perspective. His presence changes everything." These words give hope and promise of a beautiful future no matter how dark the night may look today.

[janice l. dimond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going through tough times makes us weary. Sometimes the best we can do is look up and say, "Help me!" In those times, we wonder, is God still near? Is He listening to all of my petitions?

Susie Larson takes us on her personal journey, as she deals with a lifetime of pain and sickness. How can we know God is near? And what can we do in the times when we are waiting for an answer? I have loved reading this. It's another gem from Susie's collection of writings. Her way of thinking about Scripture and trusting God in the hard places has brought me so much comfort, as I walk my own difficult journey.

[Dorothy Nordgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Close, Far, Everywhere

Susie Larson suggests we visualize an ocean of God’s goodness and then realize we often settle for a dixie-cup. What a great perspective. She continues to encourage us to rehearse the goodness of God and not focus on our circumstances. Keep holding on to God’s promises and set our focus on the hope he provides. We must continuously wrestle with our hearts to rehearse the goodness of God. We don’t want to miss God’s Holy presence. If we really saw what he was doing we would take off our shoes and realize we are walking on holy ground. He’s always at work everywhere.
I recommend this book. 💕

Dorothy Nordgren

[LISA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Susie Larson’s new book, Closer Than Your Next Breath. Even from the introduction I see how the Lord is using it to draw all who read it closer to the Lord and to see His nearness. I love Susie Larson & her transparency, and desire to seek the Lord’s presence and drawing near to Him through the truth in His word to bring Him glory even through the tough things. She is honest and vulnerable and as she shares her stories it gives hope and shows we are not alone in our struggles but that God’s amazing presence is with us, near helping us through. It is an amazing book. I highly recommend this book to all.

[Tammy Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

God orchestras everything, His timing, the release of this book was on time just what I needed along with so many others. It’s POWERFUL, it’s as if God spoke directly through Susie “awakening us” to God’s presence. I could not put it down, I am re-reading again, listening to audio again as well.

Here is an exert from the book-

“May you—starting today—awaken to the wonder of God’s brilliant presence. May the profound evidence of His handiwork bring life to your soul. May you slow down long enough to behold beauty, and may you take the time to appreciate His intelligent design. Whatever you know of God, know this—there’s more.” Susie Larson

[Lois Lubbers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson uses scripture and personal accounts of her own trials, illnesses and heartbreaks to illustrate that God is faithful and worthy of our love and trust. We can lean on the promises in His Word. Each chapter ends guiding the reader to Reflect, Pray and Respond as well as a prayer by Susie.
Susie shares her vulnerability and by doing so makes her relatable as she makes His Word come alive and relevant to the struggles we face today.
I am challenged and encouraged to dig deep in seeking God’s presence and goodness with each chapter.
This is not a one time read but a cherished resource to come back to time and time again.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie speaks with such vulnerability, honesty in her newest book, Closer Than Your Next Breath: Where Is God When You Need Him Most? Susie speaks honestly about her fears and secrets that held her captive for so long. I love how Susie shares her healing through honesty and trusting in the Lord. Sharing the deep wounds from her past and finding healing as she shares with trusting friends who continue to point her to the Lord. A very brave, honest, beautiful book that will give hope, trust in the Lord and courage to face the wounds of the past and lead to healing in and through the Lord! Thank you once again Susie for another beautiful book about Christ's redeeming love and hope.

[Stacy Lahm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson’s newest book, “Closer than Your Next Breathe” is about drawing closer to God. She is open with her own struggles and shares how God has helped her in these difficulties. If you want to know God on a deeper level and draw closer to Him, you need to read this book, it will bring you hope and encouragement.

This book gives Bible verses, practical life applicable messages, and space for journaling, studying, and reflection.

I recommend this book for those seeking God. A great book to remind us that when you seek God you will find Him.

[Kimberly Hartl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we are faced with a challenge or find ourselves in challenging times we often ask “where is God?” Susie Larson reassures readers of the answer: God is “Closer Than Your Next Breath” ; even when we can’t perceive Him with our senses - He is there. This book walks you through various perspectives which all demonstrate His presence makes all the difference and that God is in the details of our lives. I have long appreciated Susie’s writing so much, it is always like sitting across the table with a good friend.

[Stephanie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book. . Susie is authentic and honest and even more importantly, she seeks to align herself with God and stay true to His Word,His revelation,His character,His love. She invites us to seek Him and find Him and Glorify Him by welcoming His presence more and more as we align ourselves to His truth and love. His Presence is always for our good,even if we don't feel Him. I highly recomend joining her in this journey by reading this book. #CloserThanYourNextBreath @susielarsonauthor

[Lisa Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson is one of my favorite authors! I first found out about her writing when I saw her Morning Blessings and Evening Blessings that friends had shared on Facebook. I am inspired by them and look forward to them daily! I have since read some of her books! They all have been life changing. I just got this yesterday and I am already over half done. I can't seem to put it down! It's the kind of book that I will keep handy for everyday life!!

[Kamyl Collier-hoing · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last 5 years have been some of the hardest in my life. God has used Susie’s devotions and books for my healing. As I’m beginning to read and have gotten to listen to Closer Than Your Next Breath as part of the launch team, it has reminded me how God is completely crazy about me. He wants me so near Him that He is my complete peace.
“ she who trust in God…
is fiercely, confident that God is faithful.”

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer Closer Than Your Next Breath: Where Is God When You Need Him Most by Susie Larson is an important book to remind us how close God is. I think readers of all backgrounds would get so much from this book. It is an important reminder of God’s power and presence. Read this book if you need assurance of His goodness and grace. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Mary Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is always with us, full of grace and love for us. Susie Larson is honest about her life and experiences encountering God. The format is an example of experiences in life, followed by where God is, backed by Scripture, and prayers and reflection. The readings are life affirming, but the book goes one step further engaging the reader with 4 topics to dig deeper into passages of Scripture and journal for personal growth.

[Amy St. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Susie has knocked it out of the park with her incredible insights. I’m so excited for this reminder of Gods intimate love for me. I preordered and got a sneak peak of the first 3 chapters. Susie is so real and transparent with he journey and struggles. You don’t want to miss this one. Order yours today. Susie Larson #CloserThanYourNextBreath

[Leisa Crossley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson is one of my favorite authors & this book is a must read. Life is hard sometime, Susie has shared the same sorrows and trials as all of us. She shares her insight and God-led wisdom on how we can claim every beautiful, joyful moment with God. How we can heal and Praise God though it all. Purely anointed words will comfort and lift you, as Susie always does.

[Peggy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Susie’s devotionals and she has done it again.
She speaks from a place of knowing as she shares the revelations she has experienced in her own life then in only the way she can, brings His word to life, to be so very tangible and personal in your own.
“You are only one breath away from a totally different Life!”
#lifechanging

[June Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer than your next breathe, this book is awesome! Susie Larson is one of my very favorite author’s. She writes from her heart, bringing encouragement and strength, providing much wisdom. I highly recommend this book! Start reading this book, as soon as you can. You’ll be doing yourself a big favor! Enjoy!

[Melissa Oberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closer Than Your Next Breath is an incredibly helpful book. Susie Larson knows what she’s talking about because she’s lived it. This woman is equipped to help you understand walking with God, especially when you feel He’s far from you in difficult seasons of life. After reading this book you’ll be better equipped and wiser for your journey with your Creator!

[Sharon Gluck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson writes with vulnerability and authenticity. She shares from her own experience how God has come close, met her in times of need and changed her perspective. This book is a treasure trove of truth that will encourage your heart and grow your faith. I am not usually a note taker while I read, but I find myself stopping to write, ponder, and then re-reading sections.