Drawing Closer to God

GOD WILL COME NEAR TO YOU

Come near to God, and he will come near to you. (James 4:8a).

Just think of what it would be like to have someone walk every step of your life with you—someone who knows you intimately, understands you completely, recognizes your struggles of living with a chronic illness, loves you unconditionally, and will not leave your side no matter what. Imagine someone who comprehends the challenges you face, no matter how complicated they may be. You have that person! The Lord is with you every second and longs to help you. 

COME NEAR TO GOD: Encouragement to draw closer to God

• Recognize that in human weakness, you can experience divine strength. It is common for those of us with chronic illness to feel weak, but that need not be discouraging. In fact, according to Paul, weakness is something to embrace. Why? Your weakness can be an invitation for you to access God’s power. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes: But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

        In your weary moments, remember that you can confidently go to the Lord for power. His strength is yours to claim. 

• Direct your thoughts to God’s strength rather than your challenges and vulnerabilities. Instead of focusing solely on the help you need, concentrate on the one who can help you. Nothing is too big or too difficult for Him. Search for Bible verses that speak of strength to better understand the strength available to you. Meditate on them and hold them in your heart. 
• Hold on to God’s promises. Maybe you’ve relied on others in the past, only to have them let you down in some way or even abandon you. As a result, you may feel afraid that God will do the same. Face that fear by focusing on His promises and remembering His character. He is a God who keeps His promises, never leaves His children, and never changes. There is no one more trustworthy. Search the Scriptures for His promises and cling to them. 
• Rest in God’s presence. Focus on verses like Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Drink in the meaning of Acts 2:28: You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. Find other verses that are reassuring. Keep them handy for times when you need a reminder or a nudge to nestle in His presence.

• Draw CLOSE! As we walk this path with chronic illness, we can find help and delight in clever reminders (like the acrostic below) of who God is, how He yearns to be active in our lives, and how we can ready ourselves for His lavish care.

C – Celebrate that the Lord is always available and stands ready to listen and care.

L – Lament when you need to, since He understands your struggles.

O – Open your heart to His healing touch.

S – Share your personal thoughts and feelings with the one who knows you best and loves you most.

E – Enhance your relationship with God by focusing on Him and listening to Him.

LEAN ON GOD

In the challenges of living with a chronic illness (as well as the other ups and downs of life), you can lean on God. Let Him provide the guidance and be the steady companion you need. He knows the real you, understands your physical limitations, loves you beyond your comprehension, and keeps His promises. There is no one more deserving of your trust.

For verses and quotes inviting you into God’s presence, see Chronic Joy’s Make Your Life a Prayer printable.

PRAYER

Father, thank You that we can wholly lean on You in any situation. You want to be our companion through it all. What a comfort to know we can trust You to keep Your promises! Enable us to cling to You and Your word each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• When have you felt alone in your life’s challenges?
• What difference does it make to know that Jesus comprehends all of the challenges you face?
• Which scripture can you hold on to in the days ahead?