Drawing Near to God Amidst Our Fears
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded that our worst fears often cause us to lose perspective of our reality. These fears can be about losing a spouse, a job, or even our health. However, the reality is that God is everywhere and because of what Jesus has done for us, He will never leave us. The sermon also emphasized that when we feel far from God, it's not Him, it's us. This means that we have the opportunity to do something about it. God has already done something by sending His son Jesus to suffer and die on the cross to make a way for us to be in His presence. Now, it's on us to draw near to Him.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of spending time with God to draw near to Him. This can be done through spending time with His son Jesus, in His presence, in worship, and with His family. The sermon also pointed out that if we feel distant from someone in our life, we increase the amount of time we spend with them. The same principle applies to our relationship with God.
Key takeaways:
- Our worst fears often cause us to lose perspective of our reality. However, the reality is that God is everywhere and will never leave us. [26:17]
- When we feel far from God, it's not Him, it's us. This means that we have the opportunity to do something about it. [26:55]
- God has already done something by sending His son Jesus to suffer and die on the cross to make a way for us to be in His presence. Now, it's on us to draw near to Him. [27:30]
- Spending time with God is crucial to drawing near to Him. This can be done through spending time with His son Jesus, in His presence, in worship, and with His family. [28:05]
Study Guide
Bible Passages:
1. Psalm 22:1-2
2. Matthew 27:46
3. James 4:8
Key Points from the sermon:
1. Even strong believers can sometimes feel distant from God and question His presence.
2. The feeling of God being far away is often due to our own actions or perceptions, not because God has moved.
3. We can draw near to God and experience more of His presence through spending time with Him.
Observation Questions:
1. What is the emotional state of David as described in Psalm 22:1-2?
2. How does Matthew 27:46 relate to Psalm 22:1-2?
3. What promise is given in James 4:8?
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might David, a man after God's own heart, feel forsaken by God as expressed in Psalm 22:1-2?
2. How does Jesus' quotation of Psalm 22:1 on the cross in Matthew 27:46 relate to our own feelings of God's absence?
3. What does it mean to "draw near to God" as instructed in James 4:8?
Application Questions:
1. How can we draw near to God in our daily lives, especially during times when we feel distant from Him?
2. What steps can we take to maintain our perspective of God's constant presence, even in difficult seasons?
3. How can we encourage others who are struggling with feelings of God's absence?
Devotional
Day 1: Drawing Near to God
God is always near to us, but sometimes we may feel distant from Him due to our own actions, distractions, or circumstances. Drawing near to God involves intentional actions such as prayer, reading His word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives.
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: Reflect on the last time you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to draw near to Him? If you didn't take any steps, what actions can you take next time you feel this way?
Day 2: The Importance of Repentance
Repentance is a crucial part of our relationship with God. It involves acknowledging our sins, feeling genuine sorrow, and turning away from our sinful ways. God is always ready to forgive us when we come to Him in repentance.
Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Reflection: Can you recall a recent situation where you felt guilt or shame due to a sin? Did you repent and seek God's forgiveness? If not, how can you approach repentance in a similar situation in the future?
Day 3: The Power of Community
God designed us to live in community with others. A spiritual community can provide support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to grow in our relationship with God.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: Think about your current spiritual community. How does it help you experience God's presence? If you feel it doesn't, what steps can you take to find or build a community that does?
Day 4: The Reality of God's Omnipresence
God is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. Even when we feel alone or abandoned, God is with us. Remembering this truth can bring comfort and peace in difficult times.
Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was far from you. How did you regain perspective and remember God's omnipresence? If you struggled with this, what strategies can you use in the future to remind yourself of God's constant presence?
Day 5: The Role of Personal Responsibility
Our relationship with God involves personal responsibility. We must actively seek Him, obey His commands, and take responsibility for our spiritual growth.
Galatians 6:5 - "For each one should carry their own load."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when you felt far from God and recognized it was due to your own actions or lack of action? How did you take responsibility for your spiritual journey? If you didn't, what steps can you take to assume more personal responsibility in your relationship with God?
Quotes
1. "When you feel far from God, you can do something about it. Spend more time with Jesus. Are you spending time in his word? Are you reading? Are you growing in your knowledge of who he is and how incredible he is? This is a lifelong journey." - 29:00
2. "Despite how David felt, he understood the importance of being with God's people. Despite how he felt, another thing that we can do to draw near to God is we can repent. For some of you, this distance that you feel, the reason you feel God is far from you is because you've been living in sin." - 30:13
3. "We are called to live holy. We are to be holy as he is Holy, not so that we can earn a relationship, not so that God won't leave us because again we know he will never leave us or forsake us. No, we do it because it's an act of worship." - 30:40
4. "You're the one that determines whether you stay there. It is not only your heavenly father, it's on you. But the good news is you can do something about it. The most theologically sound prayer that any believer can pray is simply this: God, help me." - 31:12
5. "What happens to so many of us is we allow the worst fear in that season in that moment of our life cause us to lose perspective of our reality. And I'm here today friend to remind you that your reality is this: your God is everywhere and because of what Jesus has done for you, he will never leave you." - 26:17
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?