The God Who Draws You Near

What is communion with God? What does having a close, intimate friendship with the Triune God look like? I’ve been learning about this in several ways, and it’s been more rewarding and practical than I would have imagined. 

One book I read last month was particularly helpful in thinking through this concept and reality of communion, or friendship, with God. It’s called, “Friendship with God: A Path to Deeper Fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit” by Mike McKinley.

Foundational to our understanding of communion with God and how we experience it is the truth that God draws near. God draws near to us, and - in Christ - we can draw near to Him. For the purpose of this devotional article, I’ll focus on this aspect of communion with God: that God desires nearness with you, and He is faithful to draw you near. 

How does God draw near to us? In His wisdom, God uses various means. Some means we see plainly outlined in Scripture. Like when we read His very Word to us, the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit illuminates what we read. The Spirit brings understanding, knowledge of God, comfort, conviction, and encouragement. He also draws us near in times of prayer and biblical meditation. As we conclude our time reading a passage, and we turn to the Lord in prayer rather than rushing on to the next thing, we have conversation with the Lord by responding to what He’s said to us in His Word. The Holy Spirit prompts and intercedes as we pray, the Father bends His ear, The Son of God mediates, and we are in communion with the Triune God of the universe.

Another way God graciously draws us near is in times of suffering. I recently read Psalm 32 and was struck by verse 9, which says, “Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” At times God draws us near with “bit and bridle” that we might return and remain near Him. So often we bristle when we encounter the bit and bridle of suffering, misunderstanding the heart of our God. Rather than seeing it as the Master’s way of drawing us near to Him when our wayward heart is prone to wander from Him, we see it is punishment or indifference on His part. Far from it! His sovereignty over our trials and suffering reveals something of His heart for us. The bit and bridle is not used to condemn, but to bring near because He loves and delights in being near to His children! The story of Scripture is “God with us!” And He uses all things to bring about this end with His own.

Oh, how His patience and kindness is on display when He perceives that we are far from Him in heart; maybe even unaware of how our striving has caused us to stride away on our own. He trains us with trials to bring us back to where true rest, blessing, purpose, satisfaction, and relationship is: the person of Christ. Abiding in Him is where we are meant to be.

If you are already in Christ, He faithfully draws near and draws you to Himself again. He will never stop. 

If you are presently alienated from Christ, might He be drawing you near? Convicting you of your self-imposed distance and warming your heart to His affection and love displayed in the cross of Christ? I pray you realize this today and believe in Him and His displayed love for you by placing faith in Christ, His love, and His transforming power. 

If you haven’t yet, read Psalm 32. Specifically verses 7-9. Let the honey-dripping arrow of God’s teaching pierce your soul as you lay it bare before Him in prayer. These sweet, honeycomb words of Scripture drip comfort, conviction, and healing truth. Be encouraged! God desires to be close with you. He will draw you near at any expense because He is committed to loving you. We see this vibrantly at the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Written by Lizzy Blanchard