On a morning when I'm feeling distant, the only thing I can sing is "Draw Me Close To You" by Michael W. Smith. When this song came out over 10 years ago, it was on constant repeat in my car. I couldn't get enough of singing that to Jesus. Just help me know you are near, Lord.
Isn't that what our hearts desire the most? To know He is close. To know He is near. An ever-present help in times of need, and close when the seas are calm, too. Some scriptures to help us remember that God is close to us today, and always:
James 4:8 (AMP) "Come close to God, and He will come close to you..."
Isaiah 55:6 (MSG) "Seek God while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand."
Psalm 145:18 (NLT) "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth."
Psalm 34:18 (NIV) "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Hebrews 10:22 (ESV) "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
These are just a handful of examples of God wanting to be close to us. He promises to come close to us if we will come close to Him. He's near to us when we seek Him. He's close to us when we call on His name. He's close to us when we are crushed and broken. And, we can be confident in drawing close to Him because our hearts have been washed with the blood of Jesus, we are made new.
So, when we sing or pray "Draw Me Close To You", we can sing or pray it in full confidence that He hears us, is close, and ready to answer that prayer. It's my prayer this morning as I think about where I am in my walk, in my heart, and even in my head. It's my prayer for you, too. Let's draw close to Him together, friend.
Linking up with Lisa Jo Baker today for FMF, The word prompt is "close". Will you take a chance and join us today? You will be so encouraged by the beautiful words of others, I promise!
Such a beautiful reminder that He is always close. Sometimes I get so caught up in trying to do everything myself, I forget to rely on drawing near to God. Blessed by your words today, sweet FMF neighbor :)
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing, friend! Try to do everything myself and often forgetting to just draw near to Him. Blessings to you! I hope you have a great weekend!
DeleteThank you for your writing. That is just where I have been this week. I know the Lord is with me and yet I have not felt the closeness I long for. I know it is a walk of faith and believing His Word instead of my feelings. I long to be closer to Him. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, Gloria. May God show Himself near to you today and always, and may your faith be strengthened in knowing He is always near. <3 Have a great weekend!
DeleteExcellent. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs a former-ish jazz/modern dancer, I love music with a strong beat but the music I danced to contained lyrics I didn't want in my heart. Whether I wanted it or not, the music remained in my head. Discovering Michael W. Smith & CCM, in general, has been a great gift. Now, there's music I'm grateful to have in my heart, that I want to hear and dance to. It's a way of drip, drip, dripping the word into our hearts so that what closest to our minds is God's Word rather than inane chatter or worse.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm so happy to have discovered yours.
Loved this Chandra! Oh man that song gets me too. There are some songs you just want to have headphones on or ear plugs in when you are cranking up the volume. The meaning feels like it is pulsating through your body and you are worshiping with all you have. YES! Draw close to Him. He IS near. He IS close. :) Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYour words also reminded me of that wonderful old hymn, 'Draw me Nearer'. It was a favorite of mine growing up. Thanks for sharing today.
ReplyDelete"we can sing or pray it in full confidence that He hears us, is close, and ready to answer that prayer." I forget that so easily...the full confidence in him. Thank you for this reminder :)
ReplyDeleteWe can draw close to him in everyway possible! Thanks for the reminder, Chandra!
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