Six of the Best Tips to Draw Near to God
Inside: Things aren’t happening the way they are supposed to; the way I had planned. I get on my knees thinking that by praying God will answer how I want. Learn 6 steps to draw near to God.
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The hamster in my brain was doing a major workout. My thoughts were circling and my fear was increasing.
Like a caged animal I paced back and forth, therefore, I wore down a path around the kitchen island.
What is wrong with me?
The doctor didn’t know what was going on. He suggests we try this or try that. He sent me to another doctor who then sent me to another.
I grit my teeth and mumble under my breath.
Really, God, you know how long I’ve been sick. Why can’t you heal me?
When God Doesn’t Heal
Things weren’t happening the way they were supposed to; the way I had planned. First, I got on my knees thinking that by praying from here I would get more acceptance with God.
Second, I try bartering with Him, this for that.
Finally, again I ask, please heal me.
Did God see me? Did He care?
Given these points, I had to figure this out because God wasn’t moving fast enough.
The situation will turn out how I want, so I take control.
So, I put on my running shoes and run away from God.
However, the situation becomes worse because I’ve taken control. Therefore, I become hopeless.
“I wait patiently for the Lord to help me and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. (Psalm 40:1-2, NLT)
How David was Able to Draw Near to God
It’s important to realize, David spent a lot of time in the waiting room of life.
As a young boy, David was anointed King of Israel but he didn’t sit on the throne until he was 30 years old. For instance, refugee David lived in caves in the wilderness for years as he hid from being killed.
Weary and hopeless many times, David put on his running shoes, but He dashed back to God. In short, David knew where the best reprieve from the heaviness of life was found. God was still in control and watching him.
God turns the heaviness into a blessing when we come back to Him.
“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3, NLT).
Six Tips to Draw Near to God:
- Immerse yourself in His Word daily.
- Put a foot of faith in front of the other. Faith is believing when we can’t see.
- Choose to believe that healing is coming. God’s timing, not ours.
- Pray for strength sometimes minute by minute. Intentions become a habit.
- Remember that healing isn’t only for the body. but for the soul also. Character over comfort.
- God promises rest and relief, we need to recognize these come from God.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for being a constant in my life. I get impatient and want life to happen the way I see it. Help me in faith remember that you have my best interest at heart. Hold me back and infuse me with strength and confidence when I’m getting frustrated. Remind me that you are in control, and only you can provide rest and relief. In your name. Amen.
What are you doing while you wait for healing?
Good stuff, keep writing, sister! 🙂
Thanks Chelsey! I appreciate it:)
Reminds me so much of my battle with PTSD. I now look back and see God’s goodness in holding me there a little longer, teaching me to cling to His Promises and keep turning to Him each time I “felt” like running away. It has taught me a lot about my thirst for control and God’s desire to free me from its crippling hold. I’m still learning how to let go, but He used PTSD to unmask its crippling hold on me and that was a huge light bulb moment for me. Yes, character above comfort: because He loves us so much more than we could imagine!
Anna- praying for you- that your PTSD gets better and that you find healing!
Thank you for stopping by!
Julie
Thanks, Julie. I’ve been declared free of PTSD. My therapist was astounded at how quickly I got through it. I am now learning to walk through life differently than I had been for twenty plus years…it’s a learning curve, but God is faithful and patient.
Amen! So beautifully written and I know all to well that worn path around the kitchen island! Great reminders! Thank you for linking up with #jesusandcoffee this week. Hope you have a wonderful day!
Thanks Jen for stopping by!
Julie
Meg- thank you so much for stopping by. I said a prayer for you. Strength for what you are going through in regards to living arrangements and the Holy Spirit’s increased presence as you minister to your friend!
Your sister in Christ,
Julie
Perfect tips! Merely acknowledging that God is going to do something or that He is doing something doesn’t always help our unstable emotions. Your tips keep us grounded and focused on Him and His word. That helps bring stability. Thanks for sharing these, Julie! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Thank you, Amy!
My favorite may be “Pray for strength sometimes minute by minute. Intentions become a habit.” We are to pray without ceasing and find strength in Him.
Erin- Yes, both are things I need to be intentional about!
“Remember that healing isn’t only for the body. but for the soul also. Character over comfort.” – This can be such a hard one when we so desire comfort.
Melissa- Yes, it’s a hard concept to grasp especially when we’re struggling!
Amen! Amen! So beautiful. So blessed by this. David is someone who strengthened himself in the Lord. In utter rejection, we know true acceptance and once we know it we want to always bounce back to the Father.
Ann- David shows us how to endure through difficult things with God!
Immersing ourselves in God’s word daily really is such an important first step in drawing near God!
Melissa- yes, it is!