Moving Closer

It is good for me to draw near to God.  -Psalm 73:28

Too many times, I've missed the chance to be alone with God.  I rush off to do whatever it is that I need to do, completely forgetting the amazing power of His glory and grace (who He is and what He gives me) as I go about my day.  Does that happen to you?  If I were to encourage you in one thing, it would be to spend time alone with God each and every day.  5 minutes?  10 minutes?  20 minutes?  You decide.  But let me assure you that the Lord is waiting to meet with you.  There is comfort and refreshment just by being in His presence.  The Lord promises to meet your needs, whatever they are.  Your only requirement is to draw near to Him and ask.  If Jesus is your Savior and Lord, then you have the assurance that the guilt of your past has been washed away.  There is now nothing that separates you from the love of God. (Rom. 8:38-39)  In order to grow in grace and wisdom and love, you've got to depend on Jesus and draw from His presence on a daily basis.

What does it mean to be alone with God?  It means setting aside some time to turn off the tv and turn down the radio/iPod. No texting, no facebook... just you, your Bible, a journal, and quietness.  It's a time to pray, and to learn to listen.

Devos are great tool in getting together with the Lord. Rather than awkward silence, it gives you a place to start.  You and Jesus get to take it from there.  

Now what?...

Most of us know we need to spend time alone with God.  What are some of the things that get in the way for you?

How would you encourage someone else to spend that time with Him?

Pick a favorite time of day and agree with the Lord that you will spend time with Him on a regular basis.

A simple prayer…

Dear Lord, thank You for the privilege of coming to You every day.  Help me to be more faithful, more honest, more devoted.  Let Your grace and glory surround me; and let me be transformed as I spend time with You day by day.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

More time…

Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells.  -Ps.26:8

Blessed is the man whom You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts.  We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.  -Ps. 65:4

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.   -Lam. 3:25

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, … let us draw near with a true hearts in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience.  -Heb. 10:19-20, 22

Word Challenge...

What do you think these words mean?  glory, grace, comfort, assurance

If you're up to the challenge, look each one up in a dictionary, and think about their definitions.  Add these notes to your journal.