Earlier today on Bellshill Salvation Army Band’s Facebook page I shared some devotions. I’d like to share those devotions with you tonight.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
James 4:8 (ESV)
Everything changes when we’re close to God – our hearts are awakened, our soul revived just by us being near to the one who loves us more than anyone.
When we are near to God, it’s not about doing more, achieving more or being perfect, it’s simply about being in His presence. When God is near, fear loses its grip on us, anxiety fades, confusion fades, and joy begins to rise. His nearness to us is not just comforting, it’s crucial to us.
When we think of Moses, whose face shone after being in God’s presence (Exodus 34:29), or of David, who declared, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11), these were lived realities for them. The good news is they’re available to us, too.
We can draw near to God through
- Quiet moments of prayer, even when words fail us.
- Worship that lifts our eyes from the storm to the Saviour.
- Scripture that breathes life into our weary hearts.
- Surrender when we lay down our burdens before God, and let Him carry us.
The beauty of God’s presence is that it doesn’t require us to be perfect – instead we just need to be honest with Him.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I encourage you to find a quiet space and listen to the video below of ‘When You Are Near’ and let the lyrics become your prayer. As you listen, ask God to make His presence known to you, not just in emotion, but in deep spiritual assurance.
Let Him speak to you. Let Him stay in your heart.
When you are near by Jeremy Camp
There's no need to say a thing when I'm before You
In this silence, I feel refreshed with peace
Break this noise that binds the voice that tries to speak
Open my eyes to see Your gracious, sovereign reach
It's hard to talk when I feel that You are near
When all is quiet, it's the beauty that I hear
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears
I know that You've washed my tears
The seasons of change I've faced have never left me wounded
Only scars of hurt, but never deeply rooted
This healing I have felt, no burden can replace
Redemptive hope has been the story of my pain
It's hard to talk when I feel that You are near
When all is quiet, it's the beauty that I hear
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears
'Cause I know that You've washed my tears
All is lost without the breath of life You give
And You give so much
I want nothing more than You, so here's my heart
Here's my heart
It's hard to talk when I feel that You are near
When all is quiet, it's the beauty that I hear
This hidden place where I know that You've calmed my fears
I know that You've washed my tears
I know that You've calmed my fears
'Cause I know that You've washed my tears
The Distinct Dot 