Get Closer

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Jan 1989

The inner spark has gone and you know there is something wrong. Tiredness has taken over; instead of being lively you are a lethargic Christian. Reality is missing and you find yourself functioning like a robot, doing things in a lifeless, automatic way.

Being on the "fast track" of life has taken away your time for prayer, Bible reading, and the quiet time. Having "too much on my plate", we conclude, is the cause of the tiredness, the "headachy" symptoms, and the reason for the vanishing appetite for spiritual things. And, the Lord is not as near, not as evident as he used to be.

This analysis is not imaginary; it reflects what is happening in the lives of many Christians today. It represents a confession, a cry for help on their part. The need is desperate in some cases, and a helpful solution is essential. Perhaps the story of a native Indian boy can provide part of an answer. His father had taught him much of tribal lore and customs, and once took him on a trek miles from home. Before night fell they enjoyed a meal around a bright fire after a good day together. Then came the great ordeal of the boy spending a night alone in the forest. The father left and the lad adjusted himself to the nightly sights and sounds. On such occasions "the night has a thousand eyes"; plus the cry of the coyote, the wolf, the crash of a running bear, and the rustle of small creatures. It must have been a lonely, sometimes frightening vigil until the dawn began to break, and with it renewed courage and hope. Looking out and around the boy saw a shape which became clearer and clearer. It was his father in the place where he had remained all night. In the darkness, amidst all the sounds and fears, his father had been there all the time. If only he had known!

God had not moved either. He is always there. Whatever our circumstances: trouble, coldness, fear, discouragement, our Father is there - "not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27). We can talk to Him, tell Him our story, confess our failure, and know His immediate forgiveness to enable us to make a fresh start. "God comes in whenever He is let in".

Probably during the most critical time of his life David cried to God:

"Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation" (Ps. 51:12). "Restore" is from the Hebrew word shoob, and shepherds are familiar with its meaning: to bring back home, or recover. It is also used in the return of something valuable, such as money, a job, or possessions. Is this what David had in mind when he wrote: "He restoreth my soul" (Ps.23:3)? The joy of his salvation and his soul were of supreme importance to David, just as they are to you and me. Perhaps we need to do as Hannah did during her crisis: "I poured out my soul before the LORD" (1 Sam. 1:15). Later she recorded part of the Lord's answer: "He raiseth up ... He lifteth up... He will keep the feet of His holy ones" (1 Sam. 2:8,9). David cried to the Lord and was heard. Hannah did, too. In like circumstances should we not do the same? We can claim His promises. "From whence shall my help come?" asks the psalmist. "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth" (Ps. 121:2) is the answer. In the. same portion we are assured: "The LORD is thy keeper... the LORD shall keep thee from all evil; He shall keep thy soul ... thy going out and thy coming in, from this day forth and for evermore" (vv. 5-8).

To enjoy these things we need to get closer to Him. If He is not far from us we do not have far to move. The thing is to do it.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Jan 1989
General