If you find yourself far from God, who moved?

I think, at some level whether we admit it or not, we have an innate desire to feel the closeness of God’s presence. We recognize that there, near God, we may be broken and sinful, hurt and confused – but with Him, we can find strength, peace, and courage. There we can find grace, forgiveness, and mercy. There we can strengthen our trembling hands and weak knees, renewed to live our lives for Him.

Drawing near is a beautiful thought. We draw near to the people we love, don’t we? A baby is held against a mother’s chest, head tucked just under her chin. A little child is held and rocked, safe in her father’s lap. A teen might lay his head in his mother’s lap. And even an adult is gripped in the strong embrace of another.

Isn’t it beautiful to think, that my broken, imperfect, sinful self can have the great privilege of drawing near to God Himself? It is one of the themes of Hebrews:

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16

For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. ~ Hebrews 7:18-19

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. ~ Hebrews 7:25

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. ~ Hebrews 10:1

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ~ Hebrews 10:22

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6

So, today, have you drawn near to God? Have you submitted yourself to His ways and His words? Have you found grace to help in time of need?

Or, as my dad used to say,

If you find yourself far from God, who moved?