Encouragement
Draw Near (James 4:8)
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (NKJV)
James wrote these words because he knew the ultimate answer to every problem. The early disciples had to face many difficulties, and attacks against their lives and ministries, but in the midst of the storms, they found their peace and strength because they learned to draw near to the heart of the Lord. Many people may be crying out to God and asking Him whether He hears them and why they have not seen things change in their lives. While the heart of the Father grieves when He sees us grieving, or struggling to overcome the challenges facing us, it could be that He is simply waiting for us to give Him our attention and draw near. There are others who really want more of the presence and peace of Jesus in their lives, but they ask Him from a distance, believing that He will come to them because He sees the desires of their hearts.
Today the Holy Spirit is calling sons and daughters into the presence of the King. What an honor, what a delight, to be invited into His holy presence! He says “Draw near to Me and I am drawing near to you. Seek Me and you will find Me in the secret places of your heart. Turn your thoughts to Me and come to Me. Give your burdens to Me. I am El Shaddai, the all sufficient One. I am God and there is no other beside Me. I am the high and holy One who fills all eternity, and still, I am in the midst of those I love. I am with those who are humble of heart and seek My face. I appear to those who come near to Me. You have said you would give Me anything, precious one; are you willing to give me some of your time? Would you step away from the things that have filled your days and choose to spend some time with Me? I so delight in your presence. I take joy in your love and in your worship unto Me. Would you set aside time to draw near to Me? This costly offering from you will be so fragrant to Me.”
How much stress and strain and exhaustion we could save ourselves if we just took time out daily to soak and rest in God’s presence! There is so much peace, power and strength in Him, the One who said “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” In today’s fast pace life of relentless running, there is a place for stillness; there is a place to breathe deeply, and connect to Jesus and feel the sweetness of the Spirit filling you, cooling you and setting you free. There is always room for a praise pause, or the opportunity to step into your sidewalk sanctuary! These are the times that we stop looking at the world and all its challenges, and we put our eyes back on Jesus. We look away from limitations and focus on Infinity. We are refueled, and filled with faith and joy! It is a time to lose sight of fear and see the strength and peace and boldness He gives us when we draw near and abide a while with Him.
As you think of your busy schedule, it may seem quite hard to set aside time to draw near to Jesus. However, there are always ways to look into His beautiful eyes, or hold His hand for a few moments. You could share a thought with Him when you are walking, or pause in the middle of your routine at work to say His name. You could sing songs of worship as you drive. Take a minute as you read this to take a few deep breaths and welcome the Holy Spirit as you quieten yourself and feel His presence come. He loves to fellowship with us and He makes it really easy. He is as happy to be with us as we are to be with Him!
Dear friend, it could completely transform your life, to regularly draw near to the sweet presence of Jesus. You receive not only the joy and refreshing there is in His presence, but you open yourself to His healing, His guiding voice, and the power of His touch. “Help me Lord, to push aside every hindrance and to draw near to You. In Your presence is life and victory and I need You more than ever before. As I draw near to You, I thank You that You are drawing ever nearer Lord to me.”
Minoli Haththotuwa, 05 June 2015
www.risingonwings.org
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