Draw Near to God

Hello Dearest Friends,

  How are you doing this week? I hope you are doing well and there is much peace in your heart. At times it can be hard to have this peace in our hearts, but with Jesus there is always hope that He will bring us peace even in our darkest times. Walk in His love and peace daily, He is able to give all you need when you seek Him.

  Jesus is the, I AM, the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel. All those who draw near to Him will be comforted, protected, delivered, and strengthened. Those who seek refuge in Jesus will receive blessings worthy of a child of God. His heart aches for those who refuse to draw near to Him, and seek Him for all their needs. Draw near to Jesus and He will rescue you!

  When we choose to daily turn to Jesus by drawing near to Him all day in prayer, our love for Him will increase. As our relationship with Jesus grows, we become more aware that He is always with us patiently waiting for us to seek Him for each of our needs. The benefits we receive by drawing near to Jesus are numerous. He desires to strengthen us in our faith and trust in Him, to provide every need we have. He is faithful to comfort us and lead us in loving ways. If we are in a situation in life that leaves us hopeless, He will deliver us and protect us. Those who put their faith in Jesus as their Savior are God’s children. When we draw close to God, these benefits and much more are lavished upon us.

  God desires all people to draw near to Him with humble hearts in repentance. Then they will know the love God has for them. Unfortunately, many choose to turn from God and choose to follow other gods that can only bring a moment of comfort. They seek comfort and protection from people and things that can never truly deliver. Draw near to God and He will rescue you from whatever binds you.

  Psalm 16 and 18 are a wonderful example of what life can be like when we seek God for all we need. The blessings God has given David are truly inspiring and should encourage us to draw near to our Father in heaven and seek Him to provide for our needs.

  There are many ways we can draw near to God. The one thing they all have in common, is that we are worshipping Him as we are drawing near to Him. One of the ways I love to draw near to God is to listen to Christian songs that have lyrics that speak to my heart about God. Then as I am drawing near to God, I am also singing to Him. There are many times He encourages me, or gives me words of encouragement for someone else while I am singing to Him. When I am angry or afraid I know I can also ask Jesus for help to calm me down, then I can seek His will for the situation. I know I can always count on Jesus to be there for me, by faith I call to Him and seek His perfect will for me.

  “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be like oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61:1-3

  “Keep me safe, O God, for in You I take refuge. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing’…I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:1-2 & 7-8

  “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the strength of my salvation, my   stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3

  Jesus greatly desires to be a part of our every moment. He is always present for His children. The problem is that we are often pulled away from Him by the things of this world. Be faithful as He is faithful and draw near to Him, He is patiently waiting.

  We will be reading Psalm 16-20 for one more week.

Blessings,

Patricia Terrell