“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
What does getting close to God involve? The book of Hebrews constantly encourages Christ-followers get close to our Lord and Savior. One such instruction says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). There is another statement found in Hebrews 7:25 that speaks about the nearness of God in our lives. Coming close to God appears to be the main subject in the book of Hebrews.
To what extent does closeness and fellowship with God matter to you? Is He entwined with the reality of your days, or is He merely a faraway notion, a passing thought, or an annoying voice in your head? Does God exist in your life? Do you converse with Him as a friend, seek Him out as a haven, and walk with Him?
Being close to God is not a physical experience. Rather, it is an invisible act of faith that happens in a person’s heart. Whether stuck in traffic or waiting in a doctor’s office, we can still be close to God. Whether we’re on a conference call, working out, traveling in an aircraft, or sitting in class, we can lean in closer. A pastor and a church building are not necessary for communion with God. You can approach Him with confidence and be close to God if you have faith that allows Christ to live in you.
Think about it. It is a rather incredible fact to comprehend that God longs to be close to us. If we are honest, we are all conscious of our flaws, inadequacies, and unworthiness, even as Christians. How could He know our deepest secrets and yet invite us to be close to Him? Actually, the core of the gospel is this: Christ’s death cleared the path for us to approach God fearlessly. We are not devoured by Jesus’ holiness or ruined by our own sin because of Him. God has given up everything to make room for us to come to Him. Although He doesn’t need us, He desires us.
Nevertheless, we continue to attempt to forge our own routes to God in the middle of all this generosity. None of the following can help us get closer to God: good deeds, religious doctrine and rituals, willpower, knowledge, kindness, church attendance, and service. The path is singular and bears the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I humbly approach You in confidence, realizing that I am only able to do so by Your grace through Jesus. I choose to live in Your presence today, gratefully embracing Your gift by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
