By Rachel Hammett

Often we hear the excuses – lies really, shrouded in a cloak of assumed innocence. “If only I could know God’s will.” “I just don’t know what to do in this situation.”

The truth is that God will be as near and as close as you allow Him to be.

The lies we allow ourselves to believe indicate that God isn’t near to us, and that He is trying to hide something from us. In decisions of life, in attitudes, in the everyday mundaneness, we want to act like living the Christian life is some hard thing with many adversities. But we really make it so much harder on ourselves.

Consider James 4:8 – “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

I think the crux of the matter falls at some thing that stands between me and obedience to God. Far too often, I know what He wants me to do, but being unwilling to do it, I feign ignorance instead. It is easier to pull out a shoddy excuse and do what I want than to quell rebellion in my heart and do what God says. Yet, in the long run, I am happier for it and my way is blessed for obeying.

Dear friend, what are you pleading ignorant about tonight? What is that area in which you are holding back, hoping that it will go unnoticed? What is that thing you keep, knowing that it stands between you and your God? Remember, He will be as near and close as you allow Him to be.

Thou my everlasting portion,
more than friend or life to me,
all along my pilgrim journey,
Savior, let me walk with thee.
Not for ease or worldly pleasure,
nor for fame my prayer shall be;
gladly will I toil and suffer,
only let me walk with thee.
-Fanny Crosby