May We Be Drawn Ever Nearer To Him

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Feeling alone … isolated … distant from those we love and care for is a difficult challenge in life.  Ask any soldier who has been deployed overseas for an extended period of time.

Feeling that God is distant … a long way from nearness … well, it is a feeling that can best be described as completely disconcerting.

We have all gone through a form of loneliness and even isolation over the last 15 months.  And we would all agree that it is a miserable place to be, wouldn’t we?

The Bible speaks of “being near to God” frequently in both the Old and New Testaments and there is an obvious reason.  If we are not near Him we are away from Him.

There is to be no real and lasting peace, comfort … and salvation from our sins … without our “having drawn to Him.”

It should not surprise us that all … yes; all … of Satan’s efforts are intended to prevent us from “drawing near to God!” And it should go without saying, but we will say it anyway … we must be aware of and vigilant against his evil intentions (1 Peter 5:8).

The older I am the more I can see more clearly my need to “walk with the Lord in His way” every day of my life.  With more years behind me than those which lie before me … my journey is drawing nearer to the end.

There is so much that could be said, written, and discussed regarding this most relevant of subjects.  But I have chosen to go in a little different direction by directing our thoughts to one of the most beautiful and inspiring of songs.

The title of the song is Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer.  I would like to urge each reader to read the words of this hymn … and to do so slowly, carefully … and reflect upon the numerous lessons to be gleaned.  And then … apply them to your own heart and life … and then share them with those you love, care for, and about … you will be glad you did!

Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer

Lyrics by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labor through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
And I’ll follow, though I’m worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart’s testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go;
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

For anyone of us to be nearer to the Lord … well … it simply requires our becoming more like Him in every aspect of our life!  May the eyes and ears of those younger see and hear in those of us who are older than … this is the way to live and die in the Lord!

So the question to be asked is clear:  How near or how far are you from the Lord?

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite heart.” (Psalm 34:18, NKJV)

Bill Fairchild, Jr.