LET US DRAW NEAR HITHER UNTO GOD

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 29

 

1 Samuel 14:36

Let us draw near hither unto God.

 
By nature we are far from God.
 
By grace we are reconciled and brought nigh.
 
In prayer we meet with God on a throne of grace.
 
We sometimes enjoy nearness, but we are near to him whether we enjoy it or not.
 
Let us keep this view of prayer before our minds, it is drawing near to God.
 
Let us often pray and so draw nigh to him.
 
In order to this we must believe that he is—we must embrace the atonement—we must credit his word, especially the promises—we must desire what we ask—we must expect what we ask, if we really need it, and he has promised it—we muse plead as though argument and earnestness could prevail—we must place our entire confidence in the name of Jesus—we must importune until we succeed.
 
How should we draw near?
 
With confidence as his children.
 
With reverence, as sinners.
 
With frequency, as dependants.
 
With a pure conscience—without wrath or doubting—being careful that we do not indulge iniquity in our hearts.
 
Let us draw near for we are invited—we are exhorted—we are commanded.
 

O look with pity on me, Lord,

Thy precious influence afford!

From sin and Satan set me free,

And help me to draw near to thee.

 
James Smith