How often are we truly taken in by the incredible weight of what it means to have a relationship with God? I know I talk so often and carelessly about walking with God that I’m guilty of taking for granted how profound a concept it really is. What an amazing thing that a perfect, holy, and sinless God would associate with us! And not only associate, but himself die to take the punishment for our sin. As I draw closer to God I find a strange thing happens… I become more and more aware of how utterly depraved I am because of the sin in my life, yet at the same time an amazing joy fills me as I begin to comprehend the fact that God has taken all of that sin away – forever.
As you seek to draw closer to God I encourage you to dwell on these concepts:
1) We have no right to be in God’s presence
Sin is a poison, seeping into the deepest parts of our soul and tainting everything we are. Our God is holy. He is completely perfect in every way imaginable, and worthy only of our absolute perfection – something we could never hope to achieve. It’s important to realize that no matter where we come from, and no matter how good we are none of us should presume to stand in front of God on our own merit. Our sin is so great before God we deserve nothing other than death.
2) Despite our sin – no matter what it may be – we are given the right to be in God’s presence
How great is our God! Though we deserve death, he gives us life. He freely gives believers the right to stand in his presence, to talk openly with him, and to ask anything of him. This despite our sin, because no matter what we’ve done Jesus conquered it when he died on the cross. Realize your sin is already paid for – it is finished!
3) You can never earn God’s love; He gives it freely
A healthy feeling of gratitude towards God is necessary in the Christian life, but it must be tempered by the realization that we can never pay God back for what he’s done. You cannot earn God’s love. I’ll say it again – you cannot earn God’s love. He simply loves you. Period. In the face of our outright rebellion against him, God freely provided the way back into his presence. When you pray, don’t pray like someone seeking approval – pray with a thankful heart as one who is already accepted. Remember, it is because of Jesus we are considered righteous, not because of our actions.
4) Spend time just being with God
It truly is an amazing thing that we can come so boldly into the presence of such a holy God. When you pray, take time to simply dwell on that and enjoy his presence. Imagine how you might feel if you had the opportunity to spend a day with your favorite actor or athlete – our privileged is so much greater! Ask God to help you draw closer to him and you may find many of your present concerns drift away in the light of his glory and grace.