How can we "draw near before the LORD" in our daily lives today? The Call to Draw Near Hebrews 10:22 says, “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” God’s invitation is active and present-tense; He wants closeness today, not merely someday. Our Confidence to Approach • The finished work of Christ: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19). • His promise to respond: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). • His nearness is good: “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God” (Psalm 73:28). Daily Practices that Bring Us Close • Heart cleansing—ongoing confession and repentance keep the channel open (1 John 1:9; James 4:8). • Word saturation—reading, meditating on, and obeying Scripture positions us before His face (Psalm 119:9-11). • Worship and thanksgiving—verbal praise ushers us into His courts (Psalm 100:4). • Intentional prayer—set times and spontaneous conversation “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Obedient living—walking in the light proves our love (John 14:23). • Fellowship—gathering with believers keeps hearts warm (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serving others—meeting needs in Jesus’ name honors Him (Matthew 25:40). Guarding the Nearness • Watch for drift: small compromises dull sensitivity (Hebrews 2:1). • Reject competing loves: idols pull the heart away (1 John 5:21). • Resist condemnation: His blood speaks a better word than our failures (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 12:24). • Stay teachable: a humble spirit keeps the door open (Psalm 25:9). The Fruit of Living Close • Deeper assurance of salvation (Romans 8:15-16). • Steadier peace amid pressure (Isaiah 26:3). • Increased power over sin (Galatians 5:16). • Overflowing love for others (1 John 4:19). • Bold intercession for the world (Hebrews 4:16). God delights in fellowship with His people. By leaning into these scriptural rhythms, we step “before the LORD” each day, tasting the sweetness of His nearness and reflecting His glory to a watching world. |
    |