Enjoy listening to the song, Draw Near, that accompanies this post by clicking the "Play" or "Listen" button above.
Are you feeling near to God or distant from God right now?
As I wrote this question I was reminded that in my faith journey, one or the other is true. For me, answering “somewhere in between” is not an honest answer. In reality, I either lean toward feeling near or distant. Some spiritual word pictures for “Near” could be Sanctuary, Mountain Top, or Still Waters. Some for “Distant” could be Desert, Valley, or Stormy Seas.
In this post I am challenging myself to name ten ideas which help with drawing near to God. I hope some of these will help you in this quest, or at least trigger your own idea to apply. These are in no particular order, and are worded as personal affirmations…
- I will meditate on James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
- I will practice child-like faith, giving a random act of kindness or a hug to someone.
- I will ask God to show me how much He loves me, and watch to see what happens.
- I will unplug from technology for five minutes to pray for two and listen for three.
- I will surrender a desire or issue to God, and ask for His wisdom and direction.
- I will share extravagant love with someone, by asking for or giving forgiveness.
- I will speak words of life and encouragement to someone who could use a lift.
- I will pause to count my blessings, instead of focusing on my frustrations.
- I will serve someone through a hospital visit, a warm meal, or other special need.
- I will listen to Scripture inspired piano to experience God’s presence.
Sometimes I need to focus more on Being (pursuing God to know Him better and listening for instruction), and sometimes I need to focus more on Doing (giving God’s love, grace and forgiveness to others). Practicing being and doing draws me nearer to God, and then He fulfills His wonderful promise to draw near to me.
How is God inviting you to draw near to Him?
