Sit Down To Draw Near!

December 9, 2021

Sit Down To Draw Near!

We all draw near to God for different reasons and in different ways.  Sometimes I can’t read enough, pray enough, or worship enough to help me draw near to the Lord.  There are other times, though, when my desire for more of Jesus is lackluster at best; sometimes I am coasting!

With Christmas just a few weeks away, there is a great deal of hype about all things spiritual.  But, maybe you are not feeling it today.  Maybe you are rather “Ho Hum” about your spiritual life right now.  You are not alone. 

For others, Christmas may be stirring up an insatiable thirst for more of God.  It may be driving you a bit crazy.  For many others, there may be some curiosity about God but no ideas about a good next step.  You may be confused. 

Sometimes we just need to sit down, take a break, and prepare for the next outpouring of Jesus’ love. 

Matthew tells us that a crowd of thousands had gathered to hear Jesus’ teaching.  They were hungry for more of God in their life and Jesus seemed to be the way to draw near to God.  As the day goes on and on, the people become hungry.  Their increasing physical hunger is a metaphor for their increasing spiritual hunger.

In Matthew 14:19 we hear; “Then he (Jesus) ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.  Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.”

Jesus tells the people to sit down and prepare for an outpouring of God’s love.  One of the postures that can help us draw near to God is sitting.

The story of Jesus’ birth reminds us that sometimes we just need to sit in the Lord’s presence.  In Luke 2:16 we hear; “So they (the shepherds) went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.” 

I imagine Joseph is sitting next to Mary and the baby.  He wants to be close to the woman he loves and to the Savior lying in a manger.  The shepherds who come to visit see Joseph sitting in the presence of God.  Sitting down often creates an opportunity for a holy moment in which we come near to Jesus.

Sometimes I wonder if the holy moment for which you are longing will come when you sit down for a while.  Like Joseph, surrendered to what God wants to do.  Like Joseph, in awe of who God is.  Like Joseph, in wonder of why God would draw near to you.

During these few weeks before Christmas, I invite you to sit down and draw near to Jesus.  Be still.  Be quiet.  Be open.  Like the crowds sitting in the grass near the Galilee Lake, anticipate that next outpouring of Jesus’ love and blessings.  Let Jesus satisfy the hunger of your soul.

When we draw near to Jesus, our heart will be filled with delight; a delight not unlike Joseph’s delight when he sat quietly next to the King of Kings.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug