Nearer to God

Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10a, NIV*

I’ve been feeling a bit frazzled this week, anxious about a few things even though I’m sure God will work them out. I’ve been praying about them, but the waiting to see God work them out has stressed me.

Monday’s post on the Captured by God blog, “Seek God First,” reminded me how we can slip into desiring what God will do more than desiring Him for who He is. Praying about it this morning, my thoughts kept circling. How can I come back to that intimacy with God as God, and leave my concerns in His hands?

The harder I try, the harder it gets. But as I was telling Him how helpless I am to do this, a verse from the other day came to mind: “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1 John 5:14-15, NIV)

That stopped me. Lots of times I’m not sure if what I want to ask is His will, but this is a no-brainer. He wants me to come to Him like a child, in trust and confidence, just to be with Him. That’s what the Gospel is about: restoring relationship with God.

So I’ve asked, and I can be confident it’s His will. And I can trust that the Holy Spirit is interceding where my words aren’t enough.

My spirit is still, hope has returned, and I feel better already just from the stillness and the promise that God will draw me back to Himself.

Yesterday I was praying to see glimpses of God taking care of me, so I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. Today I just want to see glimpses of Him—just to know He’s near.

Father, I love You. Thank You for Your grace, Your love and Your mercy to your scatter-brained and easily-distracted child. Draw me close to You.

This week’s song (and my prayer) is Draw Me Close, by the group Kutless:

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

8 thoughts on “Nearer to God

  1. Julie

    I love that verse…we actually sing it in our church a lot…if you want, I can figure out the music and words and send it to you. My Bible (Spirit-Filled Life Bible) has a slightly different wording – as does the song – “This is the confidence, that we have in Him, that if we ask anything, according to His will. He hears us and, if we know that He, hears us we know that we, have the petitions that we desire of Him.”

    My pastor’s wife looked up the meaning of the word petition, which says (paraphrasing from memory) to present a WRITTEN request to a sovereign.

    So that’s what I’ve been doing…in addition to saying and singing this verse (which I need to do and need to get “stuck” in my head and heart), I have been writing out my petitions…writing a letter to God. One nice thing about that, is that when I receive I can also write it on the letter and it’s a good memory down the road when I “forget” what God has already done!

    Thanks for this post…I needed to hear it. I can totally relate to what you have said!

    Have a good day!

    Reply
  2. God's girl

    I was feeling distanced from God because I was allowing myself to become obsessed with other things than Him, and it was taking away my ability to be amazed by Him. My prescription last week was to spend more time with Him than usual. And I was praying over and over for Him to deliver me from my obsessions and to make me desire Him again. At first it didn’t seem like anything was happening, but I guess He rewards persistence and faith that He is going to rescue me. And He is! Praise God. Isn’t He awesome! 🙂

    Thank you for your post and for linking it to mine. It makes me feel better that others are going through the same thing as me! May God bless you!

    P.S. Did your roof ever get done?

    Reply
  3. joannamallory

    Julie and God’s girl, thanks for the comments. Somehow it’s easier when we know others are on the same journey.

    Julie, I think the more ways we can get Scripture “stuck” in our heads and hearts the better — reading, singing, writing it out. Another thing about writing out our prayers… I lose focus easily. If I’m writing, it helps me pay attention to what I’m saying. If that song is easy to figure out, maybe you could email me? But don’t put a lot of time into it. I know your days are full.

    God’s girl, I’m praising God with you that He’s drawing you closer again. That’s the sort of prayer He loves to answer. Thanks for what you’ve been sharing on your blog. It’s blessed me.

    Oh, the roof… it’s done. That’s an answer to prayer in itself. This week has given me lots of chances to practice relying on God. But He’s taking care of us.

    Reply
  4. Julie

    Here goes…let me know if this doesn’t make sense…it’s really easy and I’ve put the notes beneath each word/part of a word it goes with.

    This is the confidence that we have in Him
    G G G F# E E F# F# E D D
    That if we ask anything according to His will
    E E E D D C C C B B A G D
    He hears us and if we know that He
    D E F# G G G F# E E
    Hears us we know that we
    F# F# F# E D C
    Have the petitions that we desire of Him
    E E D D C A B C B A G

    Clear as mud, right? I will call you (let me know a good time to call) and sing it to you over the phone so that you can hear how the tune goes (timing, etc.)

    Reply
  5. Julie

    Oops…that didn’t work…it moved all my notes!

    Well, you have the words and notes, like I said I will call and let you hear it! :0)

    Reply
  6. joannamallory

    Julie, the lyrics look great – it’s so much easier to memorize Scripture when it’s part of a song. I look forward to hearing the tune.

    Thanks!

    Reply

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