When I first heard someone talking about drawing near to God, I didn’t understand how that is possible.
How can you draw near to God if you can’t see or talk to him?
It sounded very strange to me. It would be a one way street of communication, right?
Drawing near to him was a foreign concept even when I was a new Christian. As a new Christian, I had one foot in the world and one foot in the Kingdom. I had divided priorities. Then as I went through the sanctification process, I started to withdraw more from the world.
I started reading the Holy scriptures more. I started learning who God is by reading about him. I was slowly drawing near to him even if I didn’t know it then.
But I could only go so far by reading about Him. When you’re in a new relationship with someone, a new friend, a lover, you draw near to them right?
In the context of a relationship, drawing near means spending time, asking questions, and getting to know the other person.
I’m just now learning how to draw to him by spending time with him. Spending time in scripture, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit touch my heart.
How do you draw near to God?
Drawing near to God starts with spending time with him.
That can look like different activities such as meditating on His word, pondering His nature, reading scripture, or even going for a walk in nature.
Are you familiar with how God speaks to you?
Each of us are wired differently internally. For some He speaks through scripture. For others he speaks through nature. I’m a naturalist, so I tend to feel Christ’s heart more in nature. When I go for a walk or look at the winter trees, I see his majesty through creation.
It may be different for you. But knowing how you connect with Christ is important so you can begin to focus on those specific types of activities.
Take this Sacred Pathways quiz over at New Vintage Church. It will help orient you on your worship style and what pathways the Lord speaks to you.
Once you know your pathway, use that as a catalyst to draw near to the Lord.
It’s just that, a pathway. An open door.
A way forward to draw near to Him.
What are the benefits of drawing closer to God?
One of the key benefits I’ve experienced drawing closer to God is increased peace.
I’ve always been very steady emotionally. Not many ups and downs, no roller coaster emotions.
But 2020 brought anxiety for me through all that happened. I felt an uneasiness and anxiety in my breathing and heart. It was uncomfortable and I hadn’t been able to shake it.
I started meditating on scripture and trying my best to draw near to God.
I’ll admit, it was and still is very hard. My mind wanders and thinks about other things. But I’m getting better at it.
Another benefit is increased faith. The more time I spend with Christ, I feel more grounded. My emotions don’t control me as much. Arguments and conflict still affect me, but not in the same way as before.
Instead of listening to the tapes of anger play in my head, I eject the tape. I replace it with Christ’s love and start praying for the other person or situation.
What Scripture says draw close to God and He will draw close to you?
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Biblical scholars believe the author of this book is Jesus’ brother, James. They believe he was writing to the Twelve Tribes as described in the first verse of the book.
In Chapter 4, James is admonishing the people for quarreling, worldliness, and sinful practices. But then he tells them that God will draw near to them if they draw near to God. It’s an action on their part first.
They must take the first step. Then God will respond.
At the same time, he’s telling them to repent of impurity and sin. Cleanliness of body and spirit was very important in the Hebrew culture of the time.
Spend some time reading and meditating over the entire 4th chapter of James. Read a few verses at a time and then sit with it and see what the Holy Spirit points out to you.
He may highlight something new to your heart.
Conclusion
I’m still learning how to draw near to the Lord. It’s something that takes time, like anything else. Little by little, step by step.
Drawing near to Him is a daily routine and exercise for me.
Some days I’m very bad at it. Other days are better.
But if I keep at it, he will move closer to me as I move closer to Him. James is clear about that.
It’s important for me to stay on the path and not guilt or put pressure on myself even if I don’t measure up.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint!