When we feel something is amiss in our lives our first inclination is to “hide,” to avoid anything or anyone that will bring our issues into the light. It’s natural response, but not the right one.
In Exodus, there was a time when God tried to reveal more of himself to his people but they refused to get close to him because they, too, were “hiding.”
“. . . they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.” (Exodus 20:18-19)
Although God had already done many things to show Israel how much he cared for them, they still had a difficult time believing in his faithfulness. Even from a distance, they could sense his holiness (his “otherness”), and it scared them.
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” (Exodus 20:20)
Moses was trying to explain that God’s purpose in displaying his “otherness” was not to drive them away, but to make them realize their need for him.
Like Israel, sometimes we “refuse” to approach God. When we know something isn’t right in our lives, the idea of being around him or the people who remind us of him can make us uncomfortable and afraid.
So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was. (Exodus 20:21)
Moses was just as “human” as the rest of the people. But, unlike the others, his fear drove him toward God. He realized that his God was Holy, powerful, and even terrifying, yet he also knew that God was reaching out to his people, wanting to give them a better understanding of who he was and what he could do in their lives. Moses’ reaction was one of faith.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us to do what Moses did: draw near to God by faith. And Christ has made a way for us to do this. Because of his presence in our lives, we can confidently run to our Father in heaven when we are in need.
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:19-23)
How do we draw near to God? By opening our hearts, talking to him, and allowing him to speak to us. When we take time to pray (whether we “feel” anything or not) and read the Scriptures (whether we understand them right away or not) we are “drawing near.”
Are you struggling? Then draw near. Stop “hiding” in the darkness. Come into the light, confess your “issue” and allow God to change you. The grace he holds will give you the power to walk in newness of life (See Romans 6, Titus 2:11-14).
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. . .” (James 4:8)
