Draw Close To God This Season

Draw close to God

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." - James 4:8

As I’m writing this, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to turn the world we currently live in upside down and fill our lives with fear and uncertainty. The death toll worldwide has exceeded 175,000, cities around the world are on lock-down, global economies are at a standstill, many businesses from large conglomerates to small and medium enterprises are on the brink of closure, unemployment rates has risen to its worst in recent decades and it seems a long way out before a vaccine can be developed. It is during periods such as this that is so crucial to draw close to God.

Focus on what to do instead of why did it happen

In a situation where our health, our livelihood and mental well-being are threatened, it is natural to question – Why did God allow this global outbreak to happen? Is the virus an act of God’s judgement on the sins of humanity? When will He put an end to this crisis?

It is at times like this where we need to stop and ponder for a moment and draw close to God. Perhaps rather than question why this has happened, ask yourself how would God want you to make the best out of this situation we are in. Now that God has cleared your schedule, why not use the time to draw close to God?

In our fast-paced modern life, hectic jobs, complicated relationships and addictive social media trends can easily draw us in and occupy our hearts, limiting us from spending quiet time with God. And now with the closure of cinemas, restaurants, shopping malls and many workplaces during this Covid-19 period, what excuses do we have of not spending more time with God? God has cleared up your schedule so that you can spend some precious time with Him – talking to Him and reading His word.

The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). As believers, it is crucial to build an intimate relationship with God and draw close to God so that we are available for Him to bestow on us peace and joy and enable us to live in His blessings.

Drawing close to God is a two way street

God not only wants to get to know you better; He also wants you to get to know Him better! Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable it can be to chat with a stranger? Even when you genuinely want to have a conversation, there may be an instinctive awkwardness that comes with trying to communicate with someone you do not know well. Similarly, the more time you spend away from God, the more distant you will feel, and the more difficult you may find communicating with God. So how then can we establish a proper relationship with God and draw close to God?

King David as a man who knew how to draw close to God

Let us turn to King David – one of the most well-known characters in the Bible. Many of us would be familiar with the stories of David as a young boy starting from his success in defeating Goliath and later on as a man who received God’s favor and blessings and became a king of Israel. One thing we also know is that King David was a man who knew God intimately. In fact, the Bible describes King David as a man after God's heart.

Whatever difficulties or deficiencies he encountered, he knew God well enough to share openly and honestly about his struggles and inadequacies. He was always translating his daily life experiences into songs, poems, and prayers of faith and praise in the many Psalms that he has written. He knew how to draw close to God in every season of his life.

David writes in Psalm 23:1-4

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

What a meaningful and intimate relationship King David had with God – God is the good Shepherd and we are His flock. As sheep of His flock, we have nothing to fear because of the way God tends to us and cares for us. During this lock-down period, let us learn from King David and allow God to become our true friend! God’s will and plans for us are all written in His word, so only by reading the scriptures and pondering upon them more can we gain some insights and understand God’s intentions in what we experience in our daily lives.

At this time where you might be feeling loneliness, anxiety or distress – know that God, our Provider and Deliverer, is always by your side. Open up your heart and let Him be your best friend – your source of peace and comfort. Amidst the maelstrom that surrounds us, let us take time to dwell in His word because God does not want our perfection; all He wants is our presence. Take time to draw close to God and God will draw close to you this season.