Draw Near to Him

by Charity Pence

This Week's Verse: "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18 (NKJ)

Some days God seems so near to me that I can feel Him holding me, uplifting me, and, yes, even pushing me when necessary.  Other days He feels distant, as if the sound of my voice crying out cannot reach His ears.  Do you have days like that? Ever wonder why? In my case, it's never that God is drawing away from me; I am drawing away from Him.

Unfortunately, drawing away is much too easy to do.  I get caught up in the things I need to accomplish and don't make the time for God.  Perhaps one day I don't read my Bible.  The next, I read a quick chapter or two but don't pray.  Or maybe I read and pray, but my mind is focused on what's in store for me that day which denies my Heavenly Father the opportunity to enter my heart.  Knowing I've neglected the relationship that should matter the most to me is heartbreaking.  My God wants so much more for me than what I allow.

The way I treat my relationship with God has a direct effect on how distant He feels.  Keeping in contact with my Heavenly Father is a must.  After all, I don't ignore my friends, my family, or my spouse with hopes of keeping the relationships intact.  Why do that to God?

Next time you feel God's distance, consider how much time you have been spending with Him.  Have you neglected Him? Are you not as close as you once were? Examining how you spend your time may make you uncomfortable, but spending time with God should be our priority no matter what else is going on.  If you find an area you've grown lax, change it.  Do whatever is necessary to draw close to Him again.  You won't regret it.

Dear Heavenly Father, I have neglected You in so many ways.  I am ashamed of my behavior toward You.  Yet I am thankful that You are never too far away to hear my voice.  Please forgive me and help me to re-focus so that You are my priority.  And Lord, please be with those who have struggled as I have.  Help them to return to You, to open their hearts to You, so that You can be their best friend and closest ally.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Power Verses:
Isaiah 58:9 "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer, thou shalt cry, and He shall say, 'Here I am.'" (NKJ)
Isaiah 30:19 "He shall be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee."