Rarely does a bumper sticker attract my attention – but this one did. As I inched closer to the vehicle in front of me at the traffic lights, the sticker, conveniently placed in the back window, caught my immediate attention. The question (opposite) has led me to reflect on my own relationship with Jesus.
Certainly, there have been ‘spiritual’ times when I have experienced God as being very close. Yet, on other occasions, I have ‘felt’ the relationship was weaker. Fortunately, however, feelings are a poor test concerning one’s relationship with God. Jesus promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.
Someone once posed another question – “If God seems far away, who moved?”
Like any relationship, it must be worked upon. It must be nurtured and strengthened. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) If you come to Him, the Lord is ready and willing to draw you into a closer relationship.
Ways to draw closer to God include: reading the Bible and reflecting on its message, listening to worship music, starting a daily gratitude list, praying for others, recording in a journal what God has been speaking to you about during the day, and marvelling at the world He has created.
The deepest level of worship is praising God, despite pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.
(Reverend Gordon)