Draw nearer to God.

 Draw Me Nearer to God

A Reflection on James 4:8, Psalm 42:1-2, and the Hymn

Draw me nearer to God—not just to the edge of Your presence,

But into the holy of holies, into the deepest essence

Of who You are. Let me not stand at a distance, afraid,

But come boldly to Your throne, where grace has been displayed.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8, ESV)

Nearer—past the crowd, past the noise, past the fear,

Past the distractions that whisper, “You are not welcome here.”

Like Mary, who sat at the feet of her Lord,

Choosing the good portion, the one that cannot be ignored.

The deer pants for water, the soul longs for You.

Not for the gifts, not for the blessings, but for the One who is true.

Draw me past the ritual, past the routine, past the rite,

Into the silence, into the stillness, into the morning light.

As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. (Psalm 42:1)

Nearer, O Lord, to You—closer than my next breath,

Closer than the shadow of death.

Let the cords of Your love pull me through every storm,

Let Your presence be my shelter, my peace, my warm.

The hymn of old echoes the cry of my heart:

“Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.”

“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge.” (Psalm 73:28)

So I come—not in my righteousness, but in Your grace.

I come with empty hands, seeking Your face.

Draw me nearer, Lord. Let me never be the same.

Let my life be a testimony to the power of Your name.

Amen.