Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts you double-minded.
James 4:8
Growing up in the Baptist church and continuing into early adulthood in the Reformed Episcopal Church we would sing a hymn entitled “Draw Me Nearer.” (Click this link to hear the Baptist hymnal sung.) This song came to mind when the man of God spoke the past two Sundays about drawing near to God. For scripture reference, he referenced James 4:1-10.
In going over my notes from Sundays message, God placed it on my heart to share some of the man of God’s thought with the children of God. And while I was studying James 4:1-10 and listened to the Baptist hymnal, God stirred up a memory of me sitting in church a few years after my fathers passing that I would like to reflect on this morning with you.
On this particular Sunday I got to church early (Pastor always encouraged us to be on time) and by the grace of God, I was. I was even able to get a seat closer to the front and it had to be a part of God’s plan for me to sit in this very spot. Well the choir started singing Draw Me Nearer and as always those of us who sat in the congregation would stand and sing along. I’ll never forget this note that Anissa hit that sent a shockwave through my body. It’s like Anissa’s voice had ignited something that had been buried with my daddy and I was so grief stricken I didn’t realize the internal struggles I was dealing with, within myself.
Every note, every word, every hymn song convicted my spirit. The words were so beautiful and as I write oh how I bless God for the tears and the beautiful memories of this particular day. I cried so much on that day and I Clare I felt the Holy Spirit take over my body as I dropped to my seat with uncontrollable tears. Let’s just say I wasn’t one to cry in church but I didn’t care what people would say or how people would look at me; nothing mattered. It was so freeing! It was so peaceful! It was much needed!
Rico tried his best to console me but I just couldn’t shake it. It’s not until studying the notes from Sundays message and thinking of that beautiful hymnal that is one of my favorite NST hymns that help to put things into proper perspective. Something in this song and in the powerful message spoken many years ago at NST on that Sunday that I was reminded of on this past Sunday, made me realize what I was missing.
All this time I was angry and torn up on the inside that my daddy was gone and I went through the motion for years, not knowing, God was still asking me to draw near to Him.
I was a sinner, I was double-minded, I was lost, I was sad, I was torn, I was heartbroken. I mean y’all don’t know how bad it was. I remember the day of my dads home going as we stood beside the burial site…all I kept thinking was is I wonder if they will bury me right here with daddy. I felt like my life was over and I felt like I didn’t want to go on without daddy. Yes I had it bad y’all. But by the grace of God I bounced back and it’s songs like Draw Me Near, scripture like Jane 4:8, and sermons like Draw Near to God that we as God’s children need to listen and take heed to.
Like the man of God said so eloquently, “Doesn’t the battle begin with us?”
Think about it and ask yourselves. Reflect on an internal conflict or struggle. Think about how it could cause one to drift from God. Reflect just a moment on a choice that you have been struggling with. Now read James 4:8 again. How might you draw nearer to God and make that conscious decision to give whatever it is to God.
The Bible tells us in Psalm 55:22 to cast our burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.
My brothers and sisters it’s time for another self inventory. It’s time for us to clean the toxins, the junk, remove the fifth, and whatever is standing in the way of accepting God’s invitation to draw near to Him.
As the man of God said, “receive what it is that God has for you. God is inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him. He wanted to bless you with contentment, internal peace, His grace, and so much more.”
“Sometimes we fail to forsake the sin in our own lives.”
With daylight savings time we have gained an hour. What will you do with the extra time God has given you? Will you use it wisely to spend time with God? Will you get more rest and be ready to start another day? Will you waste it aimlessly on social media, gossiping with your friends on the phone, or spending money on Amazon?
We are closing up the chapter of life called 2022 and as a people we need to walk in 2023 united like never before, drawing closer to God.
God is speaking and He is extending His invitation to us daily. Did you get your invitation? Will you accept God’s invitation, accept His son as your personal savior, spend more time in His word, make the time to meditate and have communion with God, take the time to rest in Him? It’s not a question to answer here and now, it’s the decision that is yours to make in your timing.
I pray todays message resonates with those reading and it is my prayer we don’t miss the mark. God is calling, will you answer? God wants to spend more time with you, will you make time for Him? God is knocking, will you open the door? The invitation is yours, will you draw near to Him?
Gm, enjoyed the message. I am encouraged to draw nearer to God each and every day of life. Thanks for the invite!
To God be the glory!
GM. I accept the invitation to draw nearer to God. I accept both arms stretched our wide while the blood is still running warm in my veins. It’s me oh Lord. I Accept. Thank you Whitnee for this message. It has inspired me and reminds me of those lost throughout the years very dear to me. AMEN.
To God be the glory!