Draw Near to God

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred curtain, by means of his death for us. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's people, let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Heb. 10:19-22 NLT)

I've tried so many times to have "quiet time" alone with God, only to end up frustrated, distracted, or sleeping.  These results seem to come after a battle for focus and an uncomfortable fear of facing Him.  Knowing that God is everywhere does not comfort me when I'm struggling through an issue where I know He and I don't see eye to eye.

I've had many people tell me over the years that they are afraid to face me or talk to me because I will "just know" what they have been doing wrong.  Some have even accused me of having the power to see into their souls by simply looking in their eyes.  I know it's not me they fear.  It's the Spirit of God who dwells in me.  They are afraid to face God and I just happen to be the person on earth that they associate with Him.  While I'm honored by the association, I know the truth.

The truth is that I've had the same feelings many times over the years.  "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."  (Hebrews 10:31 NASB)  This is true when you know you have something to fear.

Building a relationship with God requires that we draw near to God.  We cannot do this when thing separate us from Him and we are afraid.  This is where Jesus comes into the picture.  Through Jesus we see God approaching us as one of us.  Through Jesus, we are offered forgiveness for our sins.  Through Jesus, we are offered reconciliation with God the Father.  Through Jesus, the "curtain" that separates us from God is torn open and we can "go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him."  We can draw near to God without fear.

Many of my earlier posts under the topic, "Join Him" detail just how this is done.  Once it is done, however, you can draw near to God...any day...any moment...without fear.  When you take the time each day to be with Him, make sure you draw near to Him.  Picture Him in the heavenly realms.  Be overwhelmed by the magnitude of His creation around you.  Do whatever it takes to let go of your world and enter His.  This is the best step you can take to begin your day.