On Drawing Near to God…

 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.—James 4

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."—Matthew 11:28-30

As a child I can remember calling out to my mom from my bed at night.  She usually heard on the first “mom” and always got up and came in to see what I needed. I loved also that the last thing I usually saw as I closed my eyes at night and went to sleep was my mom sitting in “her spot” at the end of the couch nearest to my bedroom. That picture is one of the most comforting memories of my childhood.  She was always there, always available and always kind.  

I am an adult now with children and grandchildren of my own, but that memory of her consistent presence and care has stayed with me.  I was reminded of it this morning as I read these Scriptures from Isaiah…

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'—Isaiah 58:9

"I was sought by those who did not ask for Me;

I was found by those who did not seek Me.

I said, 'Here I am, here I am,'

To a nation that was not called by My name.—Isaiah 65:1

God’s love and care for us, as His precious children, never ceases. His kindness is always before our eyes.  God is near to help, forgive, comfort and bless us… Here in these verses He seems to make Himself totally available to His people saying to them, "Here I am."  Almost as if to say…Here I am, waiting to bless you. Beloved…If my mom, as a fallen human being, knew how to love, care and comfort me, how much more does our God?

Oh, Father…I am like a child before You.  I don’t know how to come out or come in!  I need You daily…I need You desperately.  Remind me often of this precious memory and of how very much I depended on my mom.  I walked through my childhood knowing that she was always there and always available.  

As an adult, You are my ever present God.  You are my Emanuel…my God who is always with me.  I want to walk through the rest of my years depending on You. Your love for me is from everlasting and Your grace toward me abounds!  You bid me to come to You.  You desire to give me your supernatural comfort, peace and rest.  You want to take on all my cares and all my burdens. Oh, Father…Why do I hesitate? Why do I go anywhere else? You and You alone have the words of eternal life.  Make this drawing near to You the WHOLE point of my life! When I do this, I have done all that is needed. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.—Proverbs 3:5-6

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.—Psalm 16:11

Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,

And He brings them out of their distresses.

He calms the storm,

So that its waves are still.

Then they are glad because they are quiet;

So He guides them to their desired haven.—Psalm 107:29-30

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.—Jeremiah 29:12-13

I called on the LORD in distress;

The LORD answered me and set me in a broad place.

The LORD is on my side;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The LORD is for me among those who help me;

Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.

It is better to trust in the LORD

Than to put confidence in man.

It is better to trust in the LORD

Than to put confidence in princes.—Psalm 118:5-9