Draw Near

image by Raybo Design Co.

So, the girls and I (okay, mostly I...) decided we would memorize some Scriptures this year.  I found 26 verses on She Reads Truth that follow the alphabet, and since the girls are still pretty little, I thought this would be a great start!  One of these days I'll get organized and post a list, but for today, here is my reflection on "D".

These words are both comforting and challenging to me.  Although God is always with us, it is when we draw close to Him that we can truly feel how close He is.  The closer we get to Him- through our various acts of worship - the closer He pulls us to Him.

God is a passionate pursuer!  He knows every intimate detail of who we are - even our hearts.  But, we won't can't know Him unless we passionately pursue Him.

He is mysterious and can seem elusive, but He wants us to draw near to Him.  He created us to walk right next to us and was devastated when we walked away from Him (Adam and Eve's choice to disobey God and eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil caused humans to be separated from God - Genesis 2 - 3).

But He created us to long for Him.  He wants us to want Him.  And the closer we get to Him, the closer He comes to us.

There are many different ways we can worship God and draw near to Him:

• singing - praise and worship songs
• reading the Bible
• Bible studies
• listening to sermons/messages
• prayer
• journaling and reflecting
• offering back our money, time, or talents

For me, I feel God's presence most when I am singing worship songs and journaling about what I have read or learned.  Especially when I worship I can feel God and He often times will remind me of song lyrics to me while I am praying.

I also notice when I have gone a few weeks without spending time in worship, I feel a disconnect from God.

How do you draw near to God?

How do you feel when you are near Him?

What stops you from passionately pursuing Him?

Because songs are like God's words straight to my heart, this song is such a wonderful reminder that He wants us to come to Him.  Close your eyes and listen to God speak His promises and His truth to you.

Come to Me - Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

I am the Lord your God, I go before you now
I stand beside you, I’m all around you
Though you feel I’m far away, I’m closer than your breath
I am with you, more than you know

I am the Lord your peace, no evil will conquer you
Steady now your heart and mind, come into My rest
Oh, let your faith arise, lift up your weary head
I am with you wherever you go

Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m everything
Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m your everything

I am your anchor, in the wind and the waves
I am your steadfast, so don’t be afraid
Though your heart and flesh may fail you, I’m your faithful strength
I am with you wherever you go

Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m your everything
Come to Me, I’m all you need.
Come to Me, I’m your everything

Don’t look to the right or to the left but keep your eyes on Me
You will not be shaken, you will not be moved ooh
I am the hand to hold, I am the truth, I am the way
Just come to Me, come to Me, cause I’m all that you need