Come here

 

I went in the backyard the other day to do some work on the lawn. One of our dogs usually follows me whenever I go outside and today was no exception, but what she did was a little different. She waited on the patio and was just watching me but she wouldn’t come close to me. I looked at her, motioned with my hand and said, “Come here,” and she ran as fast as she could and stayed right with me the rest of the time while I was working on the yard.

Do we ever have to wait for God to give us the go ahead signal to come close to Him? Are there times when we can’t approach Him? Is He really approachable at all or is He so far removed that He has little concern about us and what goes on in our lives?

From a salvation standpoint Jesus said in John 6:37, “All that the Father gives Me will

come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” He also said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” There are no time constraints on when we can come to Him, He simply tells us to come, and that invitation is open to anyone at any time.

But what about the events of our daily lives after salvation, can we come whenever we want or when we have a need? James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” God is available 24-7 as the saying goes, there are no days or times when we can’t come to him in prayer or just sit in His presence thinking on His love and kindness. We come to God every time we open the bible and read His word. If you want to be near to God draw near to Him; come to Him.

It really is more about our unwillingness in coming to Him or using Him as a last resort. At times we may try to do everything in our own power without even involving Him in what we are trying to attempt. When we become aware that we are floundering, we then come to God and ask Him for help. Instead of Him being our first line of defense, we use Him as a last resort. I think we have all been guilty of that from time to time. 

So, let’s not be like my dog, just waiting for the signal and the words to “Come.” We have an open invitation that is stated in Hebrews 4:16. “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

Pastor Marty