Jesus is our model for drawing closer to the Lord. Before Jesus healed the paralytic, He went out to pray. Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. [1] Although, in our hearts, we know we need to grow in our relationship with the Lord, the business of this world continually draws us away. Our relationship with the Lord is like a garden, and weeds begin to grow when it is left untended.
There have been times when my relationship with the Lord plateaued, and it was always because I neglected to spend time with Him. Perhaps you have experienced the same thing. Having a productive garden takes time and effort, and our relationship with the Lord is the same.
Jesus knew that if He were going to fulfill the mission His heavenly Father had for Him, He would have to stay in constant communication. James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you.[2]
Falling into the Trap of Busyness
The culture in which we live tells us that when we are busy, it means we are important. But we must remember this can be a distraction of satan. John 10: 10 The thief’s (satan) purpose is to steal and kill, and destroy.[3] The enemy of our soul would like to keep us doing good things if that prevents us from spending time with the Lord.
Peter gives us a warning. 1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.[4] Our enemy knows something happens to our hearts when we spend time with the Lord. Spending time with the Lord in His word, worship, and prayer is like an ongoing conversation between close friends. Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. [5]
The Good News of Drawing Closer to the Lord
As we draw closer to the Lord, we often find ourselves refreshed in ways we did not expect. Also, we find ourselves looking up instead of down at our circumstances. This helps me remember that God has everything under control and a plan for my life no matter what is happening around me.
The author of Hebrews tells us that the Lord calls us to come to His throne when life becomes difficult. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There, we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [6]
No one loves us more than Jesus, so He draws us to His throne when trouble comes. Do you hear the Lord calling you to come closer to Him? If so, respond to His call and let Him take you deeper in faith. To learn about drawing closer to the Lord, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/a-paralytic-healed
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.