How to draw close to God
Self portrait, graphite on paper
How do you draw near to God?
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” James 4 v 8 This is a promise, and God never breaks His promises.
So to do our part:
Draw near
Drawing near, copper etching
Draw near to God. I don’t think it’s that difficult really. We can make it so by giving ourselves formulas but my experience was no formula.
Be Honest
Hopelessness, Copper Etching
I was in the depth of depression, drawing my raw honest emotions in daily self portraits as a way of coping. On my bed one night I prayed in frustration and showed all my portraits to God saying “This is how I feel, God. Deal with it!”
Bruised Shame, Copper Etching
You could say I was being disrespectful and you should never talk to God like that, but He sees us where we are. That is where I was at the time and God listened. He meets us wherever we are. Believe me He’s seen worse!
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isiah 57 v 15
Overshadowing , Graphite on Paper
He hears and cares
I didn’t feel much after I prayed that prayer, I wasn’t healed quickly after but I knew that God had heard me. And it was the beginning of walking together through healing. I look back and know that God’s heart was breaking much more than mine.
It’s a decision
The Embrace, Graphite on Paper
God honours your decision to draw close to Him. Even if it comes in the form of a desperate confrontation. The decision to look to God accelerated my growth, and love, repentance, forgiveness, hugs, understanding, wisdom, compassion and so much more followed.
It’s a walk
Let God speak to your soul, Acrylic on paper
Drawing close to God is not a one time fix. It’s a walk. God is always with you, careing. Walking takes time, and you’ll get to know your companion on the way.
God is close to the brokenhearted.
Some of the most beautiful things that has happened as God has drawn close to me is not just the healing and getting my life back on track. It’s the getting to know intimately the personality of the God who is helping me.
