He comes near to us

I'm going through a season of spiritual barrenness. You know, those times when you feel so far from God. I'm not sure if it's even correct to call it a season. By season you imply that it is a natural course of nature, when many time this emptiness are caused by the our negligence of God. But I guess by calling it a season, there is comfort in knowing it will pass. But then again, the coming of the fruitful season only comes by our efforts to continue seeking God.

I believe it's not enough to just sit back and wait for God to call us back. The first half of James 4:8 says "Come near to God and He will come near to You". Did you see that? It says come near to God, not God comes near to us first. God gave us the greatest invitation to be close to Him when Jesus paved the way to eternal salvation. Technically, He has already done His part. Now it's our turn to "come near to God". Then, when our heart softens in His Love and Grace, we "allow" God to come near to us.

God will not push His way in. He gave us the gift of freewill and because of that, we unfortunately shut God out sometimes. But He waits. As the loving father who waited for his prodigal son. So does God wait for us to return. But when we do, He won't spend a moment longer away from you. He's the Father who will meet us halfway. He comes near to us.

This post didn't turn out exactly like I planned. I wanted to write about something else. As a matter of fact, the original title was "Saving Faith and Holy Lives". But as I typed, I just felt led to write this instead. And you know what? It's just what I needed to hear myself. Thanks Dad, I love You. I'm sorry I've been keeping away from You. But I'm coming back. Thanks for waiting.

I need strength..

Still
Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

Verse1
Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

Chorus
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Verse2
Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

During the dark periods of my life, this song never failed to give me hope and strength. The beautiful assurance of being able to rest in God and know that everything's going to ok. I remember sharing in youth some time ago about Peter and his experience of walking water. Whatever storms we're trying to navigate through, we'll never sink as long as we're looking towards God. But so many times we see the wind and are afraid much like Peter. But it good to know that despite our lack of faith, Jesus is there to reach out and lift us above the stormy waters.

As I write these words, I hope someone struggling out there will know that God's not going to let you sink. As I write these words I also want to encourage myself. It's been one of those days. Days that remind you that being a youth leader is not easy. I know, it's never easy, but some days are just tougher than others. To see so much effort, so many prayers, so much time, so much patience, so many teachings, so much listening, so much caring... fall to pieces in one of your youths. I'm far from perfect, but I know I must have done some good in my service. To have it gone completely unnoticed by the very person that I'm doing them for, it's heartbreaking. And I'm not talking about favours or the sorts, I don't mind if favours I do go unnoticed. But to have the compassion and patience shrugged off... I'm at a lost of words.

But don't worry about me, I know things will turn out ok in the end. I know these things are normal. I know that God will give me strength. I know I know I know. But for now, I'm just feeling a little down. I'm praying and I'm waiting. Don't worry, I'll rise on wings of eagles soon enough.