12/21/2022
God Does the Drawing
Drawing Near
May you find God today as you open your heart to him, and experience the rest that his presence brings.
Introduction
Sometimes we just need a reminder that things with God are simple, and the weight of our experiencing God is not on us or dependent upon our ability to be spiritual. Jesus wants to remind us today of how he is pursuing our hearts in this life, and all we need to do is say yes. May you find God today as you open your heart to him, and experience the rest that his presence brings.
Scripture
1 John 4:19 ESV
Devotional
The eyes of God are always set upon us. He looks at us with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Because of who he is—namely his nature of love—he is in constant pursuit of us. His love never relents. His grace is like an ever-flowing river making its way to replenish the earth and those who fill it. The only question that remains is, are we willing to dive in?
1 John 4:19 says in beautiful simplicity, “We love because he first loved us.” If we have one iota of love in our hearts toward God it is because he has loved us first. If we have even an inkling of desire to seek after him, it is because he has sought after us every moment of our lives.
If your desire is to experience God, if you long to live in communion with him, you need look no further than the truth that he is pursuing you. To experience him is simply to let him in. To love him is simply to receive his love. Intimacy with God is as pure and simple as breathing.
In a world filled with complicated doctrines and strenuous programs it’s time for the people of God to rest in the simplicity of God. Abundant life boils down to the truth that God is available. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). He never turns his heart away from us. But in love he draws us to himself knowing that the absolute best place for us is in his arms.
If you will choose to experience God—to respond to his drawing—know that the Holy Spirit is within you to help you. There is nothing in the way of you knowing the heart of God because God himself couldn’t be any closer. The Holy Spirit can and will reveal how God feels and what God’s saying if you’ll ask. He will give you the eyes to see the Father drawing you close if you’ll open your heart to him. And in response to his drawing he will show you how you can seek him in return.
Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Take time in guided prayer today to respond to the drawing of the Lord by seeking after him with all you are and have.
Prayer
1. Meditate on the heart of God to draw you close to him.
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s heart for you. Pay attention to anything you hear, feel, or see. Trust that God longs to reveal his love to you.
“For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10
3. Respond to the love of God by offering him your heart in return. Tell him that you love him. Tell him what you’re thankful for. Spend time receiving and giving love that you might rest in intimacy with your Creator.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25
“You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.'” Psalm 27:8
Worship
Go
In The Pursuit of God, A. W. Tozer wrote, “God must do everything for us. Our part is to yield and trust.” May you yield to the drawing of God today. May you find peace through trusting in his steadfast love. And may you discover more and more ways God has loved you from the first.
Extended Reading: 1 Peter 1 or watch the Bible Project’s video on 1 Peter.
May you find peace through trusting in his steadfast love. And may you discover more and more ways God has loved you from the first.
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