All of us desire a tangible sense of God's nearness but in all reality many times we simply don't feel like He is close at all. There can be many reasons for this. I've been savoring some scriptures the last couple of days that has helped me. I pass them along to you for your own personal reflection....
The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His hears are open to their cry. ...The righteous cry and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Ps. 34:15-18)
O Lord, ...thou dost not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; ...nor with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, Thou wilt not despise (ignore). (Ps. 51:15-17)
He (God) jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us.... God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (broken and contrite). Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep...humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you. (James 4:5b-10)
Yes, humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.... And the God of all grace...will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you! To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen!! (1 Peter 5:6-11)
May His powerful Word do its work and accomplish the purpose for which it was sent out, In the Mighty Name Of Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Mitch
