Nearer, My God, to Thee

Bible believers recognize that a closeness with God is necessary. A nearness to God will keep us from sin (James 4:8). His presence brings comfort in the darkest of times (Psalm 139:1-5). All say that a close relationship with God is essential for the Christian, but how that closeness is attained and manifested is a different matter. How are we to draw near to God?

We do not draw near to God with trite sayings, empty confessions, or verbose theological statements. Some think by uttering shallow statements that are pleasing to the ear but bereft of any substance they become closer to their Creator. Others seek to impress with flowing sentences of theological jargon. Still, others think that as long as they claim Jesus as Lord they are wrapped close in His salvation. None of these help man grow closer to His God. Matthew 7:21 teaches that not everyone who claims Jesus as Lord will be saved. Likewise we are warned of “vain babblings” (I Timothy 6:20; II Timothy 2:16).

We do not draw near to God with casual prayers. Some believe that if they treat God as a close friend in their prayers they are exhibiting a great level of closeness. Some have even dared to address Him as “daddy.” While God is our Father and loves us as children, He commands our deepest respect as the all-powerful Judge and Creator of all. Reverence is lost when we become casual with God. When Israel came to Mount Sinai God spoke to Moses saying, “Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death” (Exodus 19:10-12). You do not run up to God to give Him a hug. You love Him as your Father, and He loves you as His child, but you  must respectfully fear His boundaries.

We do not draw near to God with emotion. We will experience emotion as we live the Christian life, but we cannot mistake that as a sign of holiness because emotion will betray us. Through Jeremiah’s pen God said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

We draw near to God with our obedience. Trite sayings, empty confessions, and verbose theological statements may fool man into thinking that we are holy. When Jesus warned against those who only call on His name He also noted that “he that doeth the will of My Father” would enter the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21). Obedience draws us to God. Casual prayers approach the Father irreverently. Those same Jews who feared God and honored His boundaries around the mountain drew near to Him by becoming His people (Exodus 19:5). Emotions do not bring us closer to God. Instead we will be judged according our deeds (Jeremiah 17:10; II Corinthians 5:10). A close, loving relationship with God can only be had by obedience.