231116 Closer to God

 Closer to God

Tell me, dear God, what I must do

So I can feel closer to you?

Should I read scripture faithfully?

Or spend more time on bended knee?


Perhaps I would feel you more near

If Christian music's all I hear

Or if I spend more time in church

Then maybe that would end my search


All those are things worthy to do

And can help me get close to you

Yet, sometimes, when I'm in despair 

Can't seem to find you anywhere


Your Word says that you walk with me

Too often wonder, can that be?

For when I feel closeness, I lack

I'm not sure how to get that back


Dear Lord, you know I love you dearly

So, can you help me see more clearly

What I'm missing, what I must do?

For I know you want closeness, too


Wait, Lord, it's right in front of me 

Yet, I have been too blind to see

I could not get closer to you

If neither heart nor mind were true


For, I could sit in church all day

Rotely repeating words to say

Or sing the hymns without a thought

The lyrics meaning, all for naught


Or read Word as mere exercise 

Not means of developing fresh eyes

Perhaps praying same prayer for years

Until it's become insincere 


I know now if you're far away

It's 'cause I moved - you faithfully stay

And your dear voice, if I want to hear it

I need a clean heart and right spirit


So today, I'll make closeness my goal

By engaging my whole heart and soul

Then soon I'll find that I was wrong

That you were close by all along 


Psalm 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me 


Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart 


James 4:8

Come near to God and he will come near to you


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