1. We are reminded that in the presence of God there is fullness of joy and true happiness - Psalm 16:11
2. I am sure that all Christians would agree; but even so, there are times
a. We all find ourselves not as close to God as we would like
b. We find ourselves spiritually weak, filled with depression and anxiety
3. In such times, what can we do in order to become close to God again?
a. The answer is found in Psalm 16:8
b. "I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved"
4. It is when we "set the Lord before us" that we receive the benefits of His Presence
5. In this lesson, I wish to review ways that you can draw closer to God, or to "set the Lord before you", anytime you find ourselves drifting away from God
A. LET NATURE HELP YOU DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
1. For the Creation speaks to us of God
a. It tells of His glory and His knowledge - Psalm 19:1-2
b. It impresses us with His eternal power and His deity - Romans 1:20
c. In their own way, such inanimate objects worship God - Psalm 68:8, 11-13
2. When we take time to contemplate God's creation
a. We understand more of His power and of His person
b. This understanding enables us to come closer to God
1) Just as increasing understanding between friends enhances friendship
2) As it does any relationship (e.g., marriages)
B. OTHERS USED NATURAL SETTINGS IN DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD
1. Isaac would go out into the fields to meditate - Genesis 24:63
2. Jesus would often go to the mountains to pray - Matthew 14:23
3. It may be easier to draw closer to God in the midst of God's creation (nature), and away from man's creation (cities)
Walking alone at eve and viewing the skies afar, Bidding the darkness come to welcome each silver star; I have a great delight in the wonderful scenes above, God in His power and might is showing His truth and Love.
-- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater, vs. 1
A. GOD'S WORD PROVIDES THE FULL REVELATION OF GOD
1. Through nature we are limited in what we can learn from God
a. We can see His power, divinity, glory, and knowledge
b. But we learn nothing of His will and purpose for us
2. It is only through Divine revelation that God has made His Will fully known
a. He has revealed many things through His Spirit, who in turn revealed them through the apostles - 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
b. Such things were written for our benefit and understanding - Ephesians 3:3-5
B. OTHERS DEPENDED UPON THE WORD TO REMAIN CLOSE TO GOD
1. David used it in many ways to stay close to God - Psalm 119:92-93, 105, 147-148
2. Jesus used it to ward off the Tempter - Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
3. Let God's Word help you draw near to Him who is the source of peace and strength
Sitting alone at eve and dreaming the hours away, Watching the shadows falling now at the close of day; God in His mercy comes with His word He is drawing near, Spreading His love and truth around me and everywhere.
-- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater, vs. 2
A. A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP MUST BE A TWO-WAY STREET
1. God has revealed Himself to us through His creation and revelation
2. We must reveal ourselves to Him, which we do through prayer
a. By which we are to express every concern, to receive blessings - Philippians 4:6-7
b. By which we come boldly to God, to obtain mercy and grace to help - Hebrews 4:14-16
B. OTHERS FOUND PRAYER THE MEANS TO RECEIVE HELP FROM GOD
1. David found that confessing sins to God brought forgiveness - Psalm 32:3-6
2. Jesus found prayer to be a source of strength in times of trial - Matthew 26:36-44
Draw near to God's throne through prayer; let Him know of your deepest needs; Closing my eyes at eve and thinking of heaven's grace, Longing to see my Lord, yes, meeting Him face to face; Trusting Him as my all wheresoever my footsteps roam, Pleading with Him to guide me on to the spirit's home.
-- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater, vs. 3
A. STRENGTH COMES FROM ASSEMBLING TOGETHER
1. Just as there is strength in numbers - cf. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
2. In view of the very real danger of falling away...
a. We need to exhort one another daily - Hebrews 3:12-13
b. We need to admonish one another through our frequent assemblies - Hebrews 10:24-25
B. THE EARLY CHURCH FOUND STRENGTH BY ASSEMBLING TOGETHER
1. As when Peter and John were released after being arrested - Acts 4:23-31
2. As when Peter was imprisoned - Acts 12:12
C. OUR ASSEMBLIES CAN BE A FORETASTE OF GOD'S PRESENCE
1. In which we drawn near to God together through song, prayer, and His word
2. In which we enjoy the fellowship of God and His servants even now - cf. - Revelation 7:9-17
Oh! for a home with God, a place in His courts to rest, Sure in a safe abode with Jesus and the blest; Rest for a weary soul once redeemed by the Savior's love, Where I will be pure and whole and live with my God above!
-- Alone At Eve, Will W. Slater, chorus
1. Do you desire to draw closer to God?
2. Then "set the Lord before you" through these avenues:
a. Contemplating nature
b. Meditating on God's word
c. Spending time in prayer
d. Having fellowship with other Christians
-- Don Treadway, July 2008 --
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