Lent, the season preceding Easter, is an excellent time to draw near to the Lord. We can increase our mindfulness of all the Lord has done for us through his life, death, and resurrection so that we can prepare our hearts to celebrate the glorious resurrection.
Throughout the weeks leading up to Easter, these blog posts will show ways to draw near to God through types of prayer, worship, and Bible reading in a journey to the cross.
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
Have you ever yearned for the closeness of a loved one during a storm?
Years ago in our camping days as a young family, we enjoyed exploring different parts of the country. Our pop-up camper was our “home away from home.” It was better than sleeping in a tent and gave us shelter in storms.
Once an intense thunderstorm rolled through the area in the middle of the night. The camper rocked as the wind swirled around it. Rain pelted the canvas walls.
In an attempt to keep the camper grounded, my husband Rick laid on one wing of the camper and opened the window flap creating a draft while attempting to hold back the rain. In his effort to protect us, he got drenched from the storm.
I was on the other of the camper, huddled with our two elementary aged kids in one sleeping bag. Frightened, I did my best as brave mom to calm them, singing verses of “Jesus Loves Me” while hoping the storm wouldn’t blow us away.
Although we were only ten feet apart, it seemed like a huge distance. I longed for Rick’s closeness in the storm; he also desired our nearness.
When the storm passed, we re-connected with a comforting family embrace.
Later we learned that a tornado passed through the area and were grateful for God’s protection.
God desires to draw near to us and not remain distant.
For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15
I love that passage. It states how the holy God of the universe longs to meet our humble hearts. Even when I feel distant from God, He desires for me to draw near to Him.
His grace reaches to us. When a storm arises in our lives, we can know the comfort and presence of God as He draws near to us.
Would you join me on this journey to the cross in exploring ways to draw near to God? He is waiting with open arms.
