Draw near

On my little laptop where I tap away today, I open a new browser screen to a breathtaking Google earth view. I appreciate this view every time because I am reminded of how small I am and how big and beautiful and creative my God is.

The still, quiet voice of God has been threading through my harried mind these past few days, yet I have allowed other voices to bubble closer to the surface. Admittedly, there are many voices vying for my attention in today’s climate and I struggle when I see such variety in opinion, fact, and news.

Today, I woke up and did not touch my phone. I took off my watch. I opened my Bible, I asked Alexa to turn on soft piano music and I have been quiet before the Lord. I have had to shake the noisemaker a few times to remind myself to not go down negative thought patterns, but this must be my new path.

God speaks loudly when I quiet my heart and still my mind. When I don’t look around at all the things I SHOULD be doing, and do the one thing that will bring my mind and heart peace. It’s not texting with people, though I love it and will do it later. I have, I think, caused more problems with my anxiety about this past week, than brought peace. It’s not reading social media, because “Karen” is not an expert. Everyone posting has their own bias, I do as well. I am looking to others for peace, I am not looking to God.

So I begin today with God’s word speaking truth to my heart and mind.

¹⁹ Therefore, ^[c]believers, since we have confidence and full freedom to enter the Holy Place [the place where God dwells] by [means of] the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by this new and living way which He initiated and opened for us through the veil [as in the Holy of Holies], that is, through His flesh, ²¹ and since we have a great and wonderful Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, ²² let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10: 19-22 AMP

My confidence, my freedom, my joy, and my delight begins with entering the most holy and being in constant communion with God. This gift of communion with him is costly, the death of Jesus. God isn’t surprised or shocked by today’s circumstances. So, my joy today has been to run into his arms, remind myself of his greatness and wonderfulness (is that a word?).

Let us draw near. Start here. Let us approach with a true and sincere heart. I literally just prayed for his voice to be louder than the news, louder than the fear, louder than my worry. I confessed my sin and walk anew with him today.

I turn the page today and even though I am practicing social distancing, prayer bridges the gap. When the church calls for food, I can do that. Needs of my neighbors, I can listen and respond. I can find tangible ways to be a light. Part of that is being calm in my social media response as well.

²³ Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word]; ²⁴ and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching. Hebrews 10: 23-25 AMP

Let us seize and hold tightly to hope. He is faithful. Trustworthy and faithful.

Let us encourage one another to love and good deeds.

Right now, we are being encouraged to not meet in large groups, but this will pass. There is still so much we can do. Tell me some things you are doing. I’d love to know.

Peace.

By the way, if this blessed, will you share with a friend? Thank you!